What to Do While Recovering from A Tooth Extraction

Nervous about getting a tooth extraction? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are a few tips to help with aftercare on the road to a smooth recovery.

 Reasons for tooth extraction 

There are several reasons why a dentist in Los Angeles would recommend an individual to have a tooth extracted. For instance, an impacted wisdom tooth, a tooth damaged beyond repair, overcrowding of teeth, etc.

In the case of an impacted wisdom tooth, your dentist would recommend a tooth extraction if the tooth is not growing straight as it can cause discomfort in the mouth and surrounding teeth and affect the overall health of the mouth. When the wisdom tooth grows crooked, it can force the surrounding teeth to shift and cause trouble in the biting patterns and alter the appearance of the smile. 

The other reasons for tooth extraction could be a broken tooth due to an accident, an infected tooth, excessive damage to a tooth, and crowding of teeth that can shift neighboring teeth due to pressure. Sometimes, tooth extraction is recommended in preparation for braces to make room for the remaining teeth to move into place. 

 The process of tooth extraction

First things first, schedule an appointment with a periodontist near you for the tooth extraction. At the dental clinic, the dentist will ensure that you are comfortable and do the best they can to ease your anxiety. Depending on the length and nature of the procedure, the dentist will administer local anesthesia to reduce any discomfort. In the case of extreme anxiety, the dentist may provide you with a sedative. 

Depending on how many teeth are extracted, the dose for sedatives varies. Sedatives can either have an individual completely conscious or fully asleep. Your dentist will discuss the best option for you before your extraction procedure. 

For a minor extraction, the dentist will rock the tooth with the help of an elevator and remove it with dental forceps. For more impacted teeth and molars, the dentist will perform a surgical extraction. A surgical extraction includes an incision on the gums following the administration of anesthesia. Dental forceps are used to remove the gum and bone tissues that cover the tooth. To control any bleeding after the extraction, the area is covered with gauze. In severe cases, the incision is stitched to seal off the area of the extraction. Usually, the sutures are dissolvable within 10 to 14 days. 

 What to do after a tooth extraction? 

Depending on the severity of the tooth extraction (in case stitches are required, or in case the tooth was above the gum line), the healing process can take at least seven to 10 days. After the tooth extraction, it is essential to make sure that the blood clots naturally in the socket created by the extraction. When the blood clot is removed too quickly, it can cause an infection in the socket as the socket becomes dry. 

 For a healthy healing period, here are a few aftercare tips to follow after tooth extraction.

•  Follow your dentist’s instructions and take only prescribed painkillers.
• Wait at least three to four hours after the tooth extraction to remove the gauze.
• Use a bag of frozen peas to apply pressure on the affected area in intervals of 10 minutes.
• Avoid smoking.
• Avoid brushing or flossing around the area of the extraction.
• To avoid dislodging the clot too quickly, avoid using a straw, spitting, or rinsing your mouth for at least 24 hours after the tooth extraction. 
• Depending on the severity of the tooth extraction, take a day or two off after the tooth extraction procedure. 
• Limit physical activity to a minimum for a few days after the tooth extraction. 
• When you are resting or sleeping, avoid lying flat on your head. Use pillows or some support to keep your head propped up.
• Follow a soft food diet during the healing process. It could include mashed fruits and vegetables, soups or broth, yogurt and pudding, scrambled eggs, etc.

 How to rinse your mouth after a tooth extraction? 

Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours after the tooth extraction procedure. After 24 hours, you may rinse your mouth using warm water with salt. Hold the water in your mouth for a minute, gargle gently and let the water trickle out of your mouth rather than spit it out. It makes it less uncomfortable and painful.

 Conclusion

It is not easy to prevent soreness and discomfort after a tooth extraction procedure. However, you must contact a periodontist in Los Angeles if you experience:

• Continuous bleeding of fresh bleeding 24 hours after the tooth extraction
• If the pain does not subside with the prescribed painkillers
• If you notice abnormal swelling

To rule out the risk of infection, visit the nearest periodontist to you. For more information on tooth extractions in Los Angeles, contact your nearest dental clinic today.