Proper Aftercare Following a Tooth Extraction is Key
Going to the dentist to get a tooth pulled isn’t anyone’s first choice for how to spend an afternoon, but it happens. There are several reasons your dentist might have decided you need your tooth extracted – crowding, infection, a break below the gum line, or advanced gum disease.
At Beckham Square Family Dental, we perform tooth extractions every day, and we guide our patients through the aftercare process. That’s because preparing for the procedure isn’t enough. You’ll need to know what to do afterward to ensure proper healing. More specifically, when you’re back at home resting, you need to remember three things:
- Protecting the blood clot
- Preventing infection
- Managing discomfort
Understanding the best ways to accomplish these objectives will make your recovery easier, more effective, and shorter. Many of our patients are concerned about the recovery period, but they’re pleased to find out that post-procedure care requires relatively minimal effort.
Protect the Blood Clot at the Extraction Site
Doing as little as possible to disturb the extraction site is key to a quick recovery, especially during the first 24 hours. That means no chewing on that side of your mouth, no drinking hot beverages, and no using straws. Also, always keep your head elevated to promote healthy blood flow.
Chewing on the side of the tooth extraction risks jamming a piece of food or your tongue into the socket and tearing it open. This can either disturb any stitches or dislodge the clot covering the socket, causing bleeding and exposing the bone and nerve. Drinking hot beverages and using a straw are also high-risk behaviors after a tooth extraction.
Minimal swelling is normal during the first day or two. To help with swelling, use ice packs for the first 24 hours. Limit applying them to 10-15 minutes at a time to avoid damaging any tissue. You also need to manage your blood pressure, so no exercise for at least two days. Take this as an opportunity to rest.
Prevent Infection after the Tooth Extraction
All the measures you take to avoid irritating the site can help prevent infection and dry socket, which is exposure of the underlying bone. In addition to keeping the extraction site calm, you need to keep it clean for the first couple of days. Make sure you do the following to prevent getting an infection after a tooth extraction:
- Leave the gauze your dentist gave you in place for at 15-30 minutes. If bleeding persists, replace with fresh gauze and repeat for another 30-minute interval.
- If your dentist prescribed an oral antibiotic, make sure to take it and complete the entire prescription as instructed.
- Gently swish lukewarm saltwater 2-3 times a day, but wait 24 hours before doing so.
- Avoid brushing directly on or around the site of the tooth extraction. However, DO brush your tongue and DO floss around the adjacent teeth to remove little bits of food.
Again, we stress that you not disturb the extraction site for at least 24 hours. The clot that forms protects the empty socket from bacterial exposure. It also prevents dry socket and infection while promoting healing.
Manage the Pain at Home
Most patients experience mild discomfort, which typically goes away within 48-72 hours. As long as your dentist approves, it’s okay to take some over-the-counter painkillers after your procedure. We tell our patients this, many of whom experience mild toothaches or headaches after a tooth is pulled.
Ibuprofen is a good choice because it reduces pain and inflammation. But ask your dentist how much you should take because it can increase bleeding, possibly making it harder for clots to form. Acetaminophen is appropriate if the pain is more severe. However, NEVER use aspirin or any blood thinner, including alcohol, because they also increase bleeding.
A popular home remedy for pain after a tooth extraction is to gently place a clove of garlic over the extraction site. Garlic has both pain-relieving and antimicrobial properties, making it a 2-in-1 solution for extraction aftercare.
Post-Extraction Symptoms that Require Emergency Dental Care
Some of our patients worry about post-extraction symptoms, but we assure you that certain uncomfortable symptoms are typical and even expected. These include light swelling, tenderness, a mild headache or toothache, and some bleeding during the first couple of days. With the bleeding, remember that you’re seeing a mixture of blood and saliva, so it looks more dramatic than it is.
After a few days, you should seek medical attention if your symptoms get worse or you experience any of the following:
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
- Excessive swelling, warmth at the site, and redness
- Excessive or discolored discharge
- Chest pain
- Cough or trouble breathing
If your symptoms worsen instead of improve, or if you experience something your dentist has never mentioned, then it’s wise to seek medical attention.
At Beckham Square Family Dental, patient comfort and speedy recovery are our priority. If you properly care for the extraction site after your procedure and keep up with your regular dental care routine, rest assured that you’re doing all you can to promote healing. We’re here if you need us, even between visits. Contact us today with your questions or to schedule your next appointment.