While we hope to exhaust every restorative treatment possible before recommending an extraction, sometimes they are necessary. Whether your child is dealing with overcrowding, you have a tooth that is severely decayed, or you’re preparing for dentures, extractions may be recommended for a variety of dental issues. Below, we’ll provide you with a few tips to care for your mouth after extraction and what you can expect immediately following surgery.
Eat Soft Foods
For the first few days after your extraction, we recommend staying away from hard, crunchy foods that will cause discomfort. Stick with soups, yogurt, ice cream, mashed potatoes, or the like. Use your best judgment when incorporating solid foods back into your diet and don’t rush the healing process.
Stay Away From Straws & Smoking
After an extraction, a blood clot will form and the bleeding will subside. The suction of drinking through a straw and smoking can knock this blood clot loose, causing a complication called dry socket. If this happens, it is extremely painful and you will need to visit our office once more.
Use Over-the-Counter Pain Medications
Some patients may be prescribed a painkiller. If not, you may take over-the-counter pain medications as recommended to make the healing process a bit more comfortable. As always, follow the instructions for the specific medication and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call our office.
Apply a Cold Compress
Swelling after having a tooth extracted is completely normal. To reduce some of this, you may apply a cold compress to the jaw in increments of 10 minutes. Be careful not to apply too much pressure.
Refrain From Rigorous Brushing
Use extreme caution when cleaning your teeth after having an extraction. You may brush the remaining teeth, but do not bring your brush near the surgery site. For the first few days after an extraction, rinsing with warm salt water is enough to disinfect the area. Do not rinse too vigorously, as this can also loosen your blood clot.
Rest assured, your safety and comfort are our top priorities when performing an extraction. If recommended, you’re in good hands with our team. Think you may need a tooth removed? Schedule your consultation with Dental Solutions of Columbus today!
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