Recovering from a Tooth Extraction

Recovering from a Tooth Extraction
When you’ve had a tooth removed, it’s important to do the right things to help the area heal quickly and comfortably. A blood clot will form shortly after the tooth’s extraction. Once it does, you’ll want to try to keep it there because the clot covers the extraction and helps the area heal.

Emergency Dentistry and Tooth Extraction

While in some cases a tooth extraction is the result of an injury and a trip to an emergency dentist, often the extraction happens during a planned visit. The removal of a tooth can be because it is severely damaged and cannot remain in the mouth, or it could simply be that there is a wisdom tooth that needs to come out. Whatever the reason, emergency or not, the healing process will be the same.

The following tips will help you recover from a tooth extraction:
  • Take painkillers as prescribed by your dentist
  • Eat only soft foods for the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction. Move up to semi-soft food when you feel you can tolerate it
  • Avoid crunchy, hard, chewy or spicy foods, as these foods can irritate the wound
  • After the first 24 hours you can start rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain
  • Change gauze pads regularly so that they do not become soaked with blood
  • Take it easy and don’t exercise for at least 24 hours
  • No bending over or heavy-lifting for 2-3 days
  • Avoid smoking
  • Take extra care when brushing teeth so that you do not hit the wound
  • Try not to rub the area with your tongue
  • Consuming alcohol can delay the healing process so avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours
When to call your family dentist or oral surgeon

Call your dentist or oral surgeon if you experience any of the following symptoms, as they could indicate signs of complications or infection:
  • Pain that isn't relieved by pain medications
  • Fever
  • Pus in the wound
  • Persistent bad taste in mouth not relieved by rinsing
To learn more about recovering from a tooth extraction, contact Johary Family Dentistry at 352-377-0360. 
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