29 Jan What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction
“Take it Easy”—those words, made famous by the Eagles’ hit song, actually contain very good advice for those who have just had a tooth extracted. After a tooth has been extracted you can expect to have swelling, bleeding, and some pain. At Prescott Dentistry, we use holistic, supportive therapies such as ozone/oxygen therapy and surgical lasers to maximize healing and make dental procedures less invasive. Taking it easy, resting, and self-care are essential for proper healing after a tooth extraction.
Tooth Extractions with Prescott Dentistry
Prescott Dentistry understands that most of our clients prefer to have necessary surgery procedures performed in the comfort of our own practice rather than being referred out to unfamiliar doctors. For this reason, our doctors perform a wider variety of oral surgery procedures than most family dentists, including extractions.
Aftercare for Tooth Extractions
If you’ve recently had a tooth extraction, here are some tips for tooth extraction aftercare:
- Rest—Plan to take it easy and get plenty of rest for the first day or two.
- Swelling—Swelling will generally last for several days and then should recede after that. To help reduce swelling place an ice pack on the affected area in 15-minute intervals.
- Bleeding—Leave the gauze in your mouth for at least a few hours after the procedure and then change as needed. Some people find the amount of blood concerning. Keep in mind that blood is also mixing with your saliva, so the amount of blood may seem larger than it actually is. If the bleeding continues after a few hours, get in touch with your dentist.
- Pain—Take medications as directed. Over the counter pain medications like ibuprofen may also be recommended to relieve pain and swelling. If you experience any side effects, such as nausea, contact your dentist.
- Oral care—Avoid rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours, as this may dislodge any clot that has formed. Saline rinses may be recommended after that. Gentle brushing is ok if you can avoid the affected area.
- Eating and Drinking—For the first couple of days, stick to liquids and soft foods only. Milkshakes, smoothies and protein drinks are good options, but do not use a straw as this may put too much pressure on the affected area.
For more specific information on wisdom tooth removal aftercare, check out this article from the Mayo Clinic.
Call us with Your Questions
At Prescott Dentistry, we strive to make your dental experience as comfortable as possible. If you’ve recently had a tooth extraction and have any questions or concerns about your aftercare, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We are here for you and look forward to restoring your smile to its natural, healthy state.
Image used under creative commons license – commercial use (12/30/2020) Andrea Piacquadio (Pexels)