Importance of Post-Extraction Care
At some point in your life, it may become necessary to have a tooth removed from your mouth; this can be a pretty intimidating procedure, but with the right oral surgeon, it doesn’t have to be so scary.
As important as the surgery itself is, another less talked about topic is post extraction care. What should you do after getting a tooth extraction? Well, in this blog we will talk about how to take care of your teeth post removal to ensure a swift, uncomplicated recovery.
A couple of topics we will cover include- focusing on pain control, prevention of a complication known as dry socket and what to do/ not to do. All these areas will ensure a smooth recovery. Ready to experience top-notch oral surgery care? Schedule a consultation with Ridge Oral Surgery today!
Immediate Aftercare Instructions Following Tooth Extraction : 24 hours is the critical period
- Use of Gauze: Post your extraction procedure at the dental clinic, the oral surgeon packs the gauze at the extraction site. You should bite on this gauze firmly but softly in one direction so that you can control the bleeding. For the first few hours, you will be required to change the gauze every 30-45 minutes until your bleeding stops.
- Rest: Rest should be your top priority for at least 24 hours after extraction. Heavy exercise should be avoided, as high blood flow in the body may disrupt the clotted blood at the extraction site.
- Elevation of Head: Sleep with your upper back raised by pillows. It minimizes swelling and aids in the healing process.
- Ice Pack: Put an ice pack over the cheek outside the extraction site for 15 minutes on and off, to reduce swelling and pain.
- Do not rinse: Do not rinse your mouth or spit out forcefully for the first 24 hours. This will interfere with the clotting that is going on in the socket.
Have questions about your upcoming extraction? Contact Ridge Oral Surgery for a pre-operative consultation.
Managing Pain and Swelling after Tooth Extraction
At Ridge Oral Surgery, we prioritize your comfort during recovery. Here are some ways to manage pain and swelling:
Pain and swelling are common after an extraction, but there are some ways to manage those symptoms:
- Over-the-counter Medication: Use ibuprofen or acetaminophen as recommended. Make sure to consult your dental care provider before starting any.
- Cold Compress: This would be followed by an application of cold compress on the face in 10-minute intervals to help reduce swelling
- Prescription Medications: If we had put you on stronger pain medication, take those as directed.
Experiencing unusual pain after extraction? Don’t hesitate to call Ridge Oral Surgery for immediate assistance.
Prevention of Complications: Dry Socket
One of the common complications which might occur following a tooth extraction is dry socket, or more technically, alveolar osteitis. It usually happens if the clot which fills up the socket dislodges or dissolves before the healing of the wound.
Tips to Avoid Dry Socket
- Do not use straws for a week after extraction. Sucking can dislodge the blood clot.
- No smoking: Avoid smoking at least for the first 48 hours after your extraction and even longer. Smoking impairs healing by causing delay of blood clot setting up.
- Rinsing: After 24 hours, gently rinse with salt water. Do not expectorate or rinse violently.
- Stick to Soft Foods: For a short period, feed only on soft foods that would not bother the extraction site.
Trust Ridge Oral Surgery for extractions with minimal risk of complications. Book your appointment today.
Dietary Guidelines: What to Eat After Tooth Extraction
Our team at Ridge Oral Surgery recommends the following foods for a safe recovery:
- Soups (warm, not piping hot)
- Yogurt
- Smoothies (without using a straw)
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
Foods to Avoid:
- Crunchy or hard foods (chips, nuts, popcorn)
- Spicy foods
- Hot foods or beverages
- Acidic foods (citrus fruits, tomatoes)
- Alcoholic beverages
Stick to the soft diet for about a week, allowing your extraction site to heal. Gradually introduce more solid foods to your diet.
For tailored post-extraction nutrition advice, consult with Ridge Oral Surgery’s experienced team.
Oral Hygiene: Maintaining a Clean Mouth During Healing
- Gentle Brushing: Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush but be very gentle around the extraction site.
- Saline Mouth Rinse: For the first few days, commercially available mouthwashes should not be placed on the extraction site: Mouthwashes can irritate the extraction site and must be avoided for the first few days.
How Long Does Recovery Take After a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction recovery varies from one patient to another depending on your overall health; However, most patients manage to heal within one to two weeks; on average, a recovery timeline could look like:
The First 24-48 hours: Expect swelling and pain. This is usually at the peak when pain and swelling happen; expect this to subside afterwards.
3-4 Days: By this point, the swelling and the pain will have decreased significantly. But if you are experiencing heavy bleeding or severe pain, you should contact your surgeon immediately.
7-10 days: At this stage, by the end of the first week, you should be healing quite well. The oral surgeon may reach you to inquire about the healing progress.
At Ridge Oral Surgery, we’ll check in on your progress to ensure optimal healing.
Warning Symptoms: When to Reach Your Oral Surgeon
Some amount of pain is expected, while serious cases may be symptoms of complications. Contact the office of Ridge Oral Surgery if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Extreme pain or swelling beyond 3-4 days
- Bleeding doesn’t stop with pressure applied
- There’s fever or signs of infection such as increased swelling, redness, and warmth . Chewing or swallowing becomes challenging.
- Numbness or tingling continues
Ridge Oral Surgery is always here for you. Save our emergency contact number for peace of mind.
FAQs on Post-Extraction Care
Q: When can I go back to my routine?
A: You may start with light activities the next day; heavy work out should be avoided for at least 3-4 days.
Q: What is the minimum duration after which I can brush my teeth?
A: It is safe to brush your teeth on the same day post extraction, i.e. you may carry out light brushing of the area of extraction only.
Q: When do I start introducing solid foods?
A: Stay on soft foods for a week and then introduce more solid foods slowly.
Recovery on the Right Track with Proper Instructions.
Proper care post-extraction helps in a smooth healing course that has no complications. An effective recovery ensues through pain management, prevention of dry socket, proper oral hygiene, and dietary guidelines.
Remember that everyone heals a little differently. Sometimes in the healing process you’ll have a question or concern. We’re here to help you – don’t hesitate to call Ridge Oral Surgery with any questions during your recovery.
Choose Ridge Oral Surgery for expert tooth extractions and comprehensive aftercare. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and experience the difference of truly personalized oral surgery care.
Your Natural Smile, Our Expert Care: Ridge Oral Surgery – Where Comfort Meets Excellence!
Ready to entrust your oral health to one of the best? Visit Ridge Oral Surgery today and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile. Schedule your consultation now!