What Should I Not Do after Tooth Extraction?
Most people have had a tooth or teeth pulled out by a dentist in Dublin. The dentist near me may extract a tooth due to cavities, gum disease, or orthodontic concerns. How you take care of your mouth after tooth extractions near you will promote or delay healing. Read on for more on what you should do or avoid after an extraction.
Tooth Extraction Procedure
The procedure for tooth extractions in Dublin depends on whether it is a simple or surgical extraction. The dentist will begin by reviewing your dental and health history for both procedures. A 3-dimensional radiographic image of the tooth requiring extraction is then taken. It is used to the dentist best assess the tooth’s condition and method of extraction.
Next, the dentist numbs the gums, tooth, and bone tissue on the area surrounding the tooth. A suitable anesthetic is used depending on the complexity of the extraction procedure. Special instruments are used to pull the tooth off the gums for a simple extraction. Surgical extractions are more complicated as an incision must be made in the gums to access the tooth.
After extraction, the dentist removes infected tissue, tooth fragments and loses bones from the gap. If it is a surgical extraction, the area will be stitched close. Next, the dentist will put gauze on the socket and instruct you to bite firmly on it to stop bleeding from the gums. Finally, the dentist 94568 will advise you on the aftercare and prescribe the required medication.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
What to Do:
- Immediately after the procedure, bite on a gauze pad to exert pressure on the socket for 3-4 hours or until it is soaked. Change it for a clean one until bleeding ceases. Doing so helps to stop bleeding and promote blood clotting and healing.
- Apply a cold compress to your cheek closest to the extraction site to control pain and inflammation. Do not leave it on the area for too long as it may cause skin burns but use it for 10 minutes per period.
- Take all the prescribed medicines to promote healing. They prevent infections, reduce swelling, and ease the pain. Do not overdose but contact the dentist near you if the medication does not work.
- Prop your head up with some pillows when sleeping or lying down. It discourages bleeding and accelerates healing.
- Follow a soft food or liquid diet of nutritious foods and beverages for a week after the extraction. Adjust to soft solid foods slowly to avoid interfering with the wound.
- Rest for several hours after the procedure. Ease slowly into your routine to avoid overexerting yourself.
- Prepare a saline solution 12 hours after the procedure and use it to rinse your mouth each day after meals. It helps remove bacteria, and food particles dislodged on the socket.
- Maintain good oral hygiene to avoid infection. Brush your mouth 24 hours after the procedure but avoid the area as you may interfere with the clot.
What You Should Not Do
- Do not smoke after the process, as smoking affects the clot and interferes with recovery. If you must smoke, wait until three days after the procedure.
- Do not bite on anything or chew until the numbness caused by the anesthetics wears off your mouth. You may accidentally bite your tongue or lips due to the numbness.
- Avoid drinks or foods that are difficult to chew, hot or spicy. They will affect the blood clot and irritate the extraction area.
- Do not take aspirin or medication containing aspirin after tooth extractions in Dublin. It is a blood thinner that will delay clot formation.
- Avoid dislodging the clot using a finger, tongue, or toothpick. Do not spit forcefully or use a straw to take beverages as this may dislodge the clot.
- Do not interfere with the sutures after surgical extraction. They will dissolve on their own. If they come out before then, maintain good oral hygiene to prevent infection.
Dental Emergency after Tooth Extraction
Contact the dental team at View Mobile Dental if you notice the following symptoms after your extraction:
- Worsened or uncontrolled bleeding from the socket
- Intense pain not relieved by medication
- A foul taste or pus
- Swelling that gets worse
- Continuing pain seven days after an extraction
- Fever