A tooth extraction refers to the process of painlessly removing a tooth or the roots of a tooth. Dental surgeons perform this operation with minimal trauma to the tissues surrounding the location. This means that the wound of the extraction socket heals without event or complications post-operation. For any successful surgery, proper healing is the prime objective. When you have a tooth extracted in Los Angeles, follow these guidelines to heal quickly, smoothly, and properly.

Do These Things When Having a Tooth Extracted

Following post-operative directions once a dental surgeon has extracted a tooth is vital for proper healing. While the steps will make you more comfortable, more importantly, they will reduce the occurrence of dry socket or infection. Failure to follow aftercare instructions can lead to complications, which further results in a delay to full healing.

Permit Clotting

When you allow the clot to form on the site of the tooth extraction, you let the body cover the wound naturally, permitting it to heal. Once the procedure is complete, your dental surgeon will hand you a bit of gauze to bite down on near the site of the extraction. Attempt to keep it in place, biting down on it for a minimum of one hour. This places pressure on the wound and assists in stopping any bleeding. Ensure you do not chew on the piece of gauze.

Permit the clot to form and do not dislodge it. This can result in exposing the nerve endings. If bleeding persists for several hours after the operation, try placing a sodden teabag upon the site. Use black tea for the best results; the tannic acid helps in clotting.

Rest for Proper Healing

Even if you feel great after the tooth extraction, keep in mind that your body has experienced a traumatic event. This means it requires rest. Avoid exercise or excess activity for at least a full day. When resting, make sure your head is slightly upright on a pillow.

Use Ice Packs

The application of an ice pack to the pertinent side of the face reduces swelling. Swelling does not always occur, but when it does, an ice pack can help. It is most effective throughout the day of the procedure. Apply an ice pack on a basis of 15 minutes on, then 15 minutes off, for periods of one to two hours.

Rinse with Warm Saline

You should rinse your mouth to clean the area as brushing the socket is ill-advised. Brushing would dislodge the clot and provoke bleeding. Instead, mix salt with water to make an isotonic solution similar to the natural fluid of the tissues. This is less irritating to the socket. Rinsing with warm saline aids in hygiene maintenance of the socket’s area.

Avoid These Things When Having a Tooth Extracted

While some steps of tooth extraction aftercare involve taking certain steps, there are many things to avoid for proper healing. Avoid the risks of infection and dry socket by following these guidelines of what to avoid.

Do Not Smoke

While cravings may be powerful, fight them off for at least two full days following the procedure. The chemicals in cigarette smoke can impact the clot, hence increasing the chances of dry socket development several days after the tooth extraction.

Do Not Skip Medicines

Your dentist prescribes medications after a tooth extraction for important reasons: they aid in healing and ward off infection. You should take antibiotics, if prescribed, regularly. Do not stop early. Use anti-inflammatories to help ease the pain of recovery and speed healing.

Avoid Solid Foods Following the Precedure

While your jaw is numb after a tooth extraction, it is best to avoid solid foods. Instead, choose liquid and soft foods like mashed potatoes, soups, yogurt, and smoothies. You will avoid exacerbation of the wound this way.

Avoid Aspirin

While you can take ibuprofen following a tooth extraction, never take aspirin. It is a blood thinner and delays clot formation, hindering healing. Simply take those medications that the dental surgeon provided. If pain persists beyond a few days, contact your dentist.

Do Not Prod the New Gap

It seems to be a natural part of human nature to want to prod sore places in the mouth, whether with a toothpick or the tongue. The new gap is especially tempting following a tooth extraction. Fight the urge as it may provoke bleeding, delay healing, and result in a dry socket.

Recovery from a tooth extraction in Los Angeles can be a relatively painless and easy experience. All you need to do is follow these post-operative tips in a strict fashion. Thorough healing is possible when you follow these dos and don’ts of tooth extraction.

Published On: July 23rd, 2020 / Categories: General Dentistry /