How to Maintain Your Oral Health After a Tooth Extraction

How to Maintain Your Oral Health After a Tooth Extraction from Family Choice Dental in Albuquerque, NMWhether you recently had a tooth extraction or are preparing for the procedure, there are a few guidelines to follow after oral surgery. Properly caring for your health can help you recover as healthily as possible and reduce the risks of complications. Here are some tips to help you have a comfortable and speedy recovery.

Get plenty of rest

In the first twenty-four hours after an extraction, the patient should relax and rest as much as possible. They should not participate in strenuous physical activity or exercise. While resting, they should elevate their heads with a pillow.

Let the surgical site clot

A key part of the healing process is to allow a blood clot to form in the surgical site. After the procedure, the dental team will provide the patient with some gauze to bite down on for an hour or more, which helps keep pressure on the wound and prevent it from excessively bleeding. Be careful not to chew on the gauze piece. Change the gauze every thirty minutes as needed, depending on the amount of bleeding. If a clot does not form in the surgical site after several hours or the bleeding worsens, call our office as soon as possible, as this may indicate a serious complication.

Managing pain and discomfort

It is common to experience some pain and discomfort after a tooth extraction. Depending on the patient's needs, the dentist may prescribe pain medication to help alleviate discomfort. In other cases, the patient can take over-the-counter pain relievers approved by their dentist. Follow the prescribed dosage as directed and take it as needed.

In addition, applying an ice pack to the affected area should reduce swelling. Apply the ice pack on and off for fifteen minutes for one to two hours following the extraction. Wrap the ice pack in a towel to protect the skin.

Maintaining oral hygiene

Since brushing or flossing after the extraction is not possible, warm saline rinses can keep the surgical site clean. Adding salt to the water makes it isotonic, similar to natural tissue fluid, which makes it less irritating than normal water. The patient can start rinsing after 12 hours to cleanse and maintain the hygiene of the extraction area.

After the first 24 hours, the patient can gently brush their teeth. They should be careful to avoid irritating the extraction site. Vigorously brushing, rinsing, or spitting can dislodge the blood clot.

What to and not to eat

In the days following a tooth extraction, the patient should stick to a soft or liquid diet to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the extraction site. Foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and soups are excellent choices during the recovery process. Do not consume hot, spicy, or crunch foods that can irritate the surgical site or get stuck in the socket. Patients should also not use straws when drinking as these can dislodge the blood clot.

Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol

Smoking and alcohol consumption can affect the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Smoking can increase one's blood pressure and lead to further bleeding. Avoid smoking for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Similarly, avoid consuming alcohol, as it can affect healing and may negatively interact with any prescribed pain medications.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in Albuquerque, NM

A few days of precaution can save you a lot of discomfort later on

Proper post-operative care can help you maintain optimal oral health after a tooth extraction. Being cautious for a few days after the procedure can ensure a smooth and successful recovery. Do you have further questions? Reach out to our office. The Family Choice Dental team is here to help.

Request an appointment or call Family Choice Dental at 505-634-5657 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

Related Posts

Understanding The Tooth Extraction Process

Over the years, tooth extraction has become more seamless than it once was. Many advancements have been made, which make the procedure more comfortable and less painful. However, it still helps to know what to expect so you can prepare.Getting a tooth extracted is not as scary as most think. In fact, most extractions only…

Tooth Replacement Options After Tooth Extraction

When you hear you need a tooth extraction, it is common to worry about having a gap in your smile for the rest of your life. Fortunately, a general dentist can provide a tooth replacement to restore your smile. From dental implants to flipper teeth, there are many replacement options after a tooth extraction.Tooth extraction…

Benefits Of Tooth Extraction

A general dentist will typically only recommend pulling a tooth when absolutely necessary. This procedure, also known as tooth extraction, is reserved for teeth that have been decayed or damaged beyond repair. Not only does this prevent a problem tooth from starting a domino effect of oral health issues, but it also brings several other…