IF YOU’VE RECENTLY BEEN TOLD YOU’VE HAD TO HAVE A TOOTH EXTRACTION, YOU MAY BE CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE TOOTH REMOVAL, HOW MUCH PAIN YOU’LL BE IN AND HOW QUICKLY YOU’LL RECOVER. FIRSTLY, PLEASE LET US REASSURE YOU, THAT TOOTH EXTRACTIONS ARE AN EXTREMELY COMMON AND COMPLETELY SAFE PROCEDURE THAT MILLIONS OF PEOPLE UNDERGO EACH YEAR.
Your aftercare routine will depend on the type of extraction procedure you have undergone, but you can expect an average healing time of approximately two weeks. All patients who undergo tooth extractions at Ascent Dental Care will be provided with an ‘Aftercare Pack’ to help you heal and recover as quickly and painlessly as possible.
TO HELP PUT YOU AT EASE WE’VE PUT TOGETHER A QUICK GUIDE OF AFTERCARE TIPS.
- Take painkillers as prescribed (not aspirin) to ease the pain and reduce inflammation.
- Keep the gauze in place for up to four hours and allow the clot to form on the extraction site. It’s important to keep the blood clot in place in the tooth socket, dislodging it can cause ‘dry socket’ and expose the bone which can be painful.
- Rest for 24 hours and limit strenuous activity for up to one week.
- Reduce swelling by applying an icepack on the side of your face for up to 10 minutes at a time.
- Keep your head in an upright position – when sleeping prop your head up with an extra pillow.
- DO NOT rinse your mouth for at least 24 hours – this prevents the gauze from dislodging and allows the socket to heal. You must be careful not to damage the blood clot by eating on that side or letting your tongue disturb it.
- After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt & 8 ounces of warm water) twice a day for one week. This will help the socket heal and keep it clean.
- Maintain a healthy diet and take a Vitamin C supplement to help your mouth heal.
- Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours.
- Continue to brush and floss but avoid the extraction site.
WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK AFTER A TOOTH EXTRACTION?
DO’S
- Soup Hot
- Ice-cream
- Smoothies
- Yoghurt
DONT’S
- Spicy foods
- Crunchy food (nuts, crisps, carrots etc.)
- Sipping through straws
If you have any further questions around your impending tooth extraction or are nervous that you may have to have one in the future, we are more than happy to speak with you about your concerns and help put you at ease. Contact us today by completing our online form or by booking an online consultation here.
