What To Do After A Tooth Extraction: Tips To Help Relieve Pain and Speed Healing
You’re sitting in the waiting room of your dentist’s office, nervously tapping your foot. Today’s the day you’re getting your tooth extracted. Thoughts are circling in your head about what lies ahead. The mere anticipation makes your heart race.
A tooth extraction isn’t exactly an event you’d eagerly mark on your calendar with excitement. It can be nerve-wracking to think about, but having a plan to navigate the discomfort and knowing what to do after, can help alleviate those nerves.
In this article, we’ll uncover some of the mysteries surrounding tooth extractions. From understanding the procedure to what to do immediately after a tooth extraction, we will guide you through a smooth path to recovery.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Tooth Extraction?
- What Should You Do Immediately After a Tooth Extraction?
- 7 Dos and Don’ts After a Tooth Extraction
- What To Do for Pain After a Tooth Extraction
- FAQs About What To Do After an Extraction of a Tooth
- Mint Dental Works Provides Top-Notch Patient Care Before, During, and After Tooth Extractions
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
Commonly referred to as “pulling a tooth”, a tooth extraction is the dental procedure in which a tooth is removed from its socket.
Preparation for this procedure involves the dentist taking a medical history along with x-rays to assess the condition of the tooth and the surrounding areas. You can also discuss sedation options with your dentist for enhanced comfort or to relieve anxiety.
This procedure begins by numbing the area around your tooth and involves gently loosening the tooth from its socket. Once carefully removed, the dentist covers the extraction site with gauze and may use stitches if necessary.
There are several reasons why your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction:
- Severe tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Creating space for orthodontic treatment
- Cracked tooth
As the premier SE Portland dentist, Mint Dental Works prioritizes your comfort and utilizes advanced technology to provide the most comfortable experience. Our advanced technology minimizes discomfort and reduces treatment time. We also offer amenities designed to help you relax during your visit. Whether you prefer to listen to music or watch your favorite TV show with our in-room entertainment systems, we provide options to enhance your comfort during the procedure.
What Should You Do Immediately After a Tooth Extraction?
Immediately after a tooth extraction, apply firm pressure to the extraction site with gauze to promote clot formation. The creation of this clot is the most critical part of healing as it promotes tissue regeneration and prevents complications.
While gauze is great for compressing the socket site, an effective alternative is using green black tea bags. The tannins found in tea help the clotting mechanism and have been found to significantly reduce bleeding after tooth extractions.
7 Dos and Don’ts After a Tooth Extraction
#1: Avoid the Extraction Site as Much as Possible
While it’s important to apply pressure with gauze, it’s important to minimize contact with the extraction site otherwise. This includes your fingers as well as your tongue. Touching the site can introduce bacteria and disrupt the healing process.
Along with avoiding contact, it’s also important to minimize chewing near where the tooth was extracted. This prevents disruption of the clot and prevents irritation to the area.
#2: Rinse With Warm Salt Water
After about 24 hours post-extraction, rinsing with warm salt water becomes very beneficial. Table salt or sodium chloride has been shown to be effective in oral wound healing and to promote healthy gums.
Simply mix ½ teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water.
Initially, gently roll the salt water solution in your mouth. Avoid swishing for the first 48-72 hours because this can dislodge the clot. Rinse as frequently as you can, ideally after each time you eat to accelerate the healing process. Continue this regimen until the extraction site is completely healed.
#3: Contact Your Dentist if There Is a Concern
Don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist after your tooth extraction if you have concerns. Your dentist is there to ensure your recovery is progressing smoothly. Contact your dentist if you experience:
- Increasing pain the day after your extraction
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Worsening swelling
- Itching or rashes
- Vomiting, fever, or nausea
You can trust Mint Dental Works to be there for you. Our dedicated team genuinely cares for your well-being. We understand dental procedures can be stressful and uncomfortable, which is why we prioritize your comfort and peace of mind throughout your healing process.
#4: Don’t Do Anything To Create Negative Pressure in Your Mouth
It’s important to steer clear of anything that creates negative pressure in the mouth following a tooth extraction to prevent complications. Dry sockets can form at the extraction site when a blood clot does not form or becomes dislodged.
To prevent complications, avoid creating negative pressure in the mouth which includes:
- No drinking through a straw: Step away from your Stanley Cup! A straw can create suction that may dislodge the blood clot. Instead, sip beverages from a cup to minimize pressure on the extraction site.
- Avoid sucking in with your cheeks: Refrain from sucking in your cheeks to spit out saliva, rinsing solution, or salt water. Instead, lean over the sink and allow saliva to dribble out naturally.
- Smoking: Smoking can also create suction and increase the risk of removing the clot. Smokers should avoid smoking for optimal healing and to reduce the risk of complications.
#5: Don’t Eat the Wrong Kinds of Foods
Stick to softer foods to avoid irritation surrounding the extraction site such as:
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Oatmeal
- Smoothies (skip the straw)
- Mashed potatoes
- Pureed food
To minimize complications, avoid foods that are:
- Spicy
- Acidic
- Crunchy
- Sticky
- Tough
#6: Don’t Do Anything Too Strenuous
Take a few rest days from the gym. Avoid activities that elevate your heart rate too much, as this can increase bleeding and discomfort. Instead, prioritize rest to support the healing process. Your body will thank you for it!
#7: Don’t Consume Alcohol
Avoid alcohol consumption, including mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as it may delay healing. This is particularly crucial during the first 24 hours post-extraction.
What To Do for Pain After a Tooth Extraction
Managing pain after a tooth extraction is crucial for a comfortable recovery. Here’s what you can do:
- Premedicate with ibuprofen: If approved by your dentist, taking ibuprofen (such as Advil) before the procedure can be beneficial. It can help block the production of prostaglandins, which are inflammatory compounds that contribute to pain and swelling.
- Medicate after with ibuprofen: Ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation after the extraction. While a little inflammation is to be expected, swelling can prolong healing if left unchecked. Take every four to six hours for the first 72 hours to control pain levels effectively.
- Apply ice: Immediately after the extraction, apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek. This helps reduce swelling and alleviate pain by constricting blood vessels in the area.
- Avoid aspirin: Aspirin is a blood thinner and can increase the risk of bleeding. However, with some individuals who may take low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular reasons, there is evidence to suggest that it did not increase bleeding post-extraction. As always, it’s important to consult with your provider.
FAQs About What To Do After an Extraction of a Tooth
How Long Should You Leave Gauze in Your Mouth?
Leaving gauze in your mouth for too long isn’t necessarily harmful, but you should monitor the gauze for saturation with blood. Once the gauze becomes completely saturated, it’s time to replace it.
The main concern with leaving gauze in your mouth for a prolonged period is aspirating (choking on it while you swallow) if you fall asleep.
In general, you’ll want to replace the gauze after about 15 minutes. As the clot becomes more set, wet the gauze before putting it in your mouth. If you put the gauze in dry, the blood will coagulate with the gauze, and you may accidentally pull out some of the clot when you remove the gauze.
When Can You Go Back to Work or School?
While it may not be the most fun vacation, it can be a good idea to give yourself a few days after an extraction.
However, if your job or school activities involve a lot of physical excretion, you may want to extend your time off to allow for adequate rest and promote healing.
Remember, a little extra rest now can prevent potential setbacks later on.
What Can You Do About Missing Teeth?
If you’re self-conscious about missing teeth or experiencing difficulties with speech or eating due to multiple extractions, dental implants can offer a long-term solution.
Dental implants are posts surgically implanted into the jawbone. The posts can be used for crowns, bridges, or dentures. Not only does it look like natural teeth, but implants function like natural teeth.
At Mint Dental Work, we offer dental implant services with the highest standard of care. Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, we are here to help you regain your confidence, restore your oral health, and enjoy a full, beautiful smile. Schedule a consultation with us to explore your options.
Mint Dental Works Provides Top-Notch Patient Care Before, During, and After Dental Extractions
While a tooth extraction is never fun, arming yourself with the knowledge of what to expect from the procedure itself and what to do after a tooth extraction to manage pain and promote healing can provide comfort.
At Mint Dental Works, we understand that a tooth extraction can be daunting, but you can rest assured knowing you’re in the best hands. Your comfort, safety, and satisfaction are our top priorities.
Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with exceptional care from consultation to follow-up by offering:
- Personalized and compassionate care: We understand that dental procedures like extractions can be anxiety-inducing for some patients. We take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and make tailored recommendations to meet your needs and preferences.
- State-of-the-art technology: Our practice is equipped with the latest advancements in dental technology.
- Continued support: Our commitment to your well-being doesn’t stop after extractions. We’re here to provide ongoing support as you recover.
Schedule your appointment with Mint Dental Works today and discover the exceptional dental care you deserve.
The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.