While most of us enter adulthood with 32 teeth, not everyone retains them all until the golden years or afterward. Tooth decay, impacted teeth (common in the case of wisdom teeth), gum disease, and broken tooth problems often lead to the need for tooth extraction.
In fact, caries account for 52.2% of extraction cases in the US, and 10 million wisdom teeth are extracted annually from adults and children. However, tooth extraction is simple and safe; it takes 48 to 72 hours to resume routine activities. The jawbone, on the other hand, heals after a few weeks. To speed up teeth extraction recovery, follow these tips-
Tips for Faster Tooth Extraction Recovery Be Careful with the Gauze
After extraction, the dentist will place a piece of gauze on the wound and ask you to bite down on it. This pressure will help in clot formation in the empty tooth socket. You should keep the pressure on for at least two hours or as per your dentist’s instructions. The gauze can be gently removed after that. Remember that a bit of oozing is normal on the day of the procedure.
Avoid Touching the Wound
The empty socket where your tooth used to be might feel strange. But you shouldn’t try to touch it with your tongue or fingers, as this can dislodge the clot, allow bacteria to enter the wound, cause infections, and prolong the tooth extraction recovery time.
Use Ice to Reduce Swelling
To expedite tooth extraction healing, press an ice pack or ice cubes wrapped in a towel on the outside of your cheek to reduce discomfort and swelling. If the pain increases or you get an itchy sensation, contact your dentist.
Take Rest
Adequate rest is essential for quick healing. So, for at least 48 hours, limit physical activities and sleep as much as possible. Heavy lifting or strenuous exercises can elevate blood pressure and cause the extraction site to bleed. When lying down, keep the head elevated to direct blood flow away from the wound and reduce inflammation.
Avoid Smoking and Drinking
Oral care after tooth extraction involves staying away from cigarettes and alcoholic drinks for a minimum of 48 hours. Toxins in cigarette smoke can inflame the empty socket, cause infections, or dislodge the blood clot. They can also harm your gums and tissues. On the other hand, alcohol can interfere with clot formation and cause the socket to bleed afresh.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is an integral part of the tooth extraction aftercare regime, but make sure you stick to plain water, coconut water, soup, smoothies, and milkshakes at room temperature. Hot fluids dissolve the blood clot before healing, and icy drinks can shock sensitive tissues. Sip small amounts at a time and avoid using a straw, as the suction can dislodge the clot. Avoid slurping or swishing water inside your mouth to heal faster.
Manage Pain
Take only pain medicines prescribed by your dentist. They might also recommend antibiotics. Avoid random over-the-counter products, as every patient is different and might react to different medications differently. Medicines like aspirin are blood thinners that can delay clotting and prolong tooth extraction recovery time. Also, inform the dentist if you suffer from stomach ulcers or liver or kidney diseases.
Ensure Oral Hygiene
Keep the site of the extraction clean and free of food particles to prevent infections. Once 24 hours have elapsed, add a teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water and rinse your mouth gently. Do this a few times every day for a week or as per your dentist’s instructions. If you use an antimicrobial mouthwash, ensure it doesn’t contain alcohol. You can also brush and floss, but avoid disturbing the wound. Avoid spitting as well.
Eat Right
Usually, you can start eating two to three hours after the procedure. However, liquids and soft foods at room temperature are perfect for speeding up tooth extraction healing. Go for options that don’t require much chewings, like yogurt, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, applesauce, jello, pudding, and eggs.
You can also have ice cream, but make sure it doesn’t contain nuts or bits of fruit. Avoid popsicles, though, as the sucking action can loosen your blood clot. After about a week, you can return to your usual diet, but confirm with the dentist.
While healing, avoid hard, spicy, acidic, and chewy foods like nuts, chili peppers, pickles, crunchy veggies and fruits, jerky, hard candy, and such.
Besides following the above tips, go back to your dentist for a follow-up session to make sure your tooth extraction recovery process is going well. Get any doubts cleared about resuming work, exercise, and regular diet. Also, ask if you need to take any other medications. On the day after extraction, if you find that your bleeding cannot be controlled, the swelling around the wound is worse, or your pain is more severe than before, get in touch with the dentist immediately. You should also seek help in case of nausea, vomiting, fever, or allergic reactions like rashes or itching.
Visit Le Sueur Family Dental to learn more about our tooth extraction and other services and get personalized advice. Call us at (507) 665-6812, email at office@lesueurfamilydental.com, or fill in an online form to book an appointment and get ready to smile with confidence.
Our address: 219 South 2nd Street
Le Sueur, MN 56058
Phone: (507) 665-6812
