With proper care, your permanent teeth are supposed to last a lifetime. However, there are a number of reasons why you might need to get your permanent tooth extracted. Some of these reasons could be crowded teeth, tooth infection, damage from trauma and gum disease. Recovery largely depends on the reason of extraction. For instance, recovery from a wisdom tooth extraction may take more time compared to recovery from an infected tooth extraction. Nordal Dental Clinic has been providing dentistry services since 1993. We offer teeth cleaning, smile reconstruction, tooth extractions, composite fillings, teeth whitening and root canal therapy to clients in Delta. We have extensive experience in dealing with children, patients with special needs and anxious adults. DO’S AND DON’TS AFTER UNDERGOING A TOOTH EXTRACTION PROCEDURE
Here are certain things you should keep in mind after your tooth extraction:
1. Drowsiness Your dentist may use an anesthetic to numb the area of extraction so you do not experience any pain during the surgery. Owing to this, you may experience drowsiness immediately after a tooth extraction. Make sure you take someone to the clinic with you to drive you back home as the anesthetic affects your ability to drive. While going home, keep your head tilted backwards and relax. It might be a good idea to take 1-2 days off from work.
2. Swelling and Pain It is absolutely normal to experience some pain and swelling right after your surgery. Taking over the counter pills prescribed by your doctor may help. You can also use an icepack on the area of extraction for 10-15 minutes. This will reduce any discomfort or inflammation. If swelling doesn’t subside after two or three days, you should contact you dentist immediately.
3. Do Not Spit Forcefully After surgery, it is very important for the blood to clot quickly. Do not spit forcefully for at least 24 hours. Keep the movement of your mouth to a minimum to avoid disturbing the blood clot. Refrain yourself from using straws for drinking for 2-3 days.
4. Keep Your Mouth Clean Try to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your healing process. Stop smoking to avoid bacterial build up and keep your mouth free of toxins. Use a mouthwash for gentle cleaning. You should also gargle with saline water to reduce any inflammation. If the wound gets infected, it might create a dry socket, which can be very painful. If you notice any foul taste or pain a few days after the surgery, you may have developed dry socket. Consult your dentist immediately.
In case you want to know more about oral hygiene, give our blog a read:5 Tips For Maintaining Hygiene That You Haven’t Heard Before
5. Consume Soft Foods Consume soft foods such as blended soups, broths, pudding, applesauce and yogurt during the healing process. This prevents the blood clot from getting disturbed. Include foods that are rich in vitamins, minerals and protein to fasten the healing process. If you are experiencing discomfort or pain in your teeth or gums, it is recommended for you to get it checked immediately. Contact Us for all your dental queries. Our team of experts can provide you with the best comprehensive treatment plan.