Caring for Your Teeth After a Tooth Extraction and Healing
Certain teeth would have to be removed to preserve the state of your pearly whites or relieve pain. Setting up a tooth extraction appointment can be nerve-wracking, but there are so many questions about what comes after the tooth extraction and the healing too. What do you do to your teeth after surgery? How do you properly care for them afterwards?
Keep reading this preview of what goes on during the tooth extraction and what you should be doing afterward.
During Tooth Extraction
Molars are usually the affected tooth that has to be removed, though there are other cases wherein the tooth involved is sitting beneath the gums. Both instances would require surgical removal of the tooth, with the surgeon making incisions to free the tooth.
The incisions made will be focused on cutting away all the gum and bone tissues. The tooth itself will be wiggled and removed with some forceps. More stubborn teeth may require a bit more work, but trust in your dental professional to get the job done right.
After Tooth Extraction
Once the tooth extraction is done, blood clotting will start to occur to cover that area. The initial form of care that you should be doing is to bite down on some gauze that your dentist will provide you with. It’s recommended to leave it in for at least three hours after the procedure to ensure the clot will form.
You can move on to these different forms of aftercare too:
Use Ice Bags. Having a cold bag pressed to your cheek, jaw, and neck can help when those areas start to swell due to the tooth extraction. Use it for at least 10 minutes before removing and resting those areas. You can apply it again in intervals.
Have Lots of Rest. It’s best to avoid any strenuous or stressful activities that can hinder your recovery. Just try lying down and sleeping regularly instead in order for your body to heal much quicker.
Eat Soft Foods. For the first couple of days or weeks, it’d be more ideal to just go with soft foods instead, as they’ll be easier for your teeth to take in and take it easy on the clot. Soup, yogurt, and other liquid-like consistencies would be better.
Take Medication. Your dentist should assign some painkillers for you to cope with any lingering pain and swelling that can occur after the tooth extraction. Get in touch with them if your condition worsens thereafter to get a new medication plan.
After Healing
Once the tooth extraction area has finally healed, it’s still important to continue taking care of the rest of your teeth. Try to cut back on destructive habits that can worsen their condition and prompt another extraction appointment, like smoking or eating too many sweets.
Continue brushing your teeth. You can go back to your regular food diet too, but you may start noticing a sudden change in your bite. If it feels uncomfortable, consult your doctor about what procedures you can do with your teeth to make it more bearable.
Conclusion
Understanding the best treatment for your teeth right after an extraction procedure would be helpful in ensuring that your teeth will continue to be in better shape. Extractions can be quite an adjustment, but they can help you feel more comfortable with your teeth.
Need a tooth extraction? G-Dental32 is a dental service in Denver that provides general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, and more. Contact us today!
