If your tooth is severely decayed or you have an impacted wisdom tooth, you may need a tooth extraction. While a tooth extraction is a fairly simple and safe procedure, the initial recovery may take a few days depending on the complexity of the procedure and other factors. However, you can quicken your recovery after the tooth extraction procedure by following the right aftercare regimen. Here are some tips for quick post-extraction surgery.  

Get adequate rest 

You may feel fit enough to go about your daily tasks right after the procedure, but it is advisable that you get proper rest after the surgery. Keep your head in an elevated position and avoid strenuous physical activities or activities that require bending over for the next 2-3 days. Be careful when getting up from the bed as you may feel a little dizzy if you get up too quickly.  

Stick to a soft food diet 

Avoid hard, chewy, crunchy foods during the recovery period to minimize impact and irritation to the empty tooth socket. You should eat a nutrient-dense soft food diet that provides you with all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs to heal properly. The idea is to get all the essential nutrients without damaging the soft tissue around the extraction site. Soups, smoothies, broth, yogurt, mashed potatoes and avocados, and soft fish are some good choices.  

Don’t touch the wound 

After tooth extraction, your mouth might feel strange due to the newly created gap in your teeth. You may have the urge to feel out the surgery site with your tongue. However, you should consciously resist this urge. Never should you touch the wound with your finger as it can dislodge a clot.  

A dry socket is a painful dental condition that sometimes occurs as a complication of tooth extraction. It occurs when the blood clot at the surgery site fails to develop, dislodges, or dissolves. This blood clot acts as a protective layer for the bone tissue and the surrounding nerves. 

No vigorous rinsing or spitting for 24 hours 

Rinsing keeps your mouth clean, but right after an extraction is not the right time to vigorously rinse your mouth as it can dislodge the clot. After 24 hours, you can gently rinse the mouth with a saline solution or a mouth prescribed by your dentist. 

Manage pain 

The effect of the anesthetic wears off after a few hours, and you may feel some pain or discomfort around the surgery site. It is best not to let the pain worsen and take pain medications prescribed by your dentist before the discomfort starts. Take the pain medications at regular intervals as prescribed by your dentist and do not skip them even if the pain is bearable. You can place ice packs on the outside of the face to alleviate pain and swelling after the extraction. Make sure not to take pain medications on an empty stomach as it can cause acidity, nausea, and indigestion.  

Avoid smoking and alcohol 

Smoking could prevent clotting and lead to the formation of a dry socket. You should also avoid drinking alcoholic beverages as it can slow down the healing process.  

Maintain oral hygiene 

Proper oral hygiene is critical to prevent infections after tooth extraction. Ask your dentist how you can maintain oral hygiene without causing any damage to the extraction site. By following these simple aftercare instructions, you can alleviate pain, promote healing, and reduce the risk of complications. These simple tips can make your recovery process as comfortable as possible.  

At Burnside Dental, our expert dentists will take of your tooth extraction procedure with great precision.  Call us today and for a FREE consultation, and get to know which procedure suits you the best. 

 

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