There are a variety of reasons for a dental professional to recommend tooth extraction. Some reasons for removal include severe tooth decay, infection, or an impacted tooth. A consultation helps patients know what to expect following the procedure. Whatever the reason for removal, patients should have a clear understanding of what aftercare is needed to improve the healing process and avoid complications.
There are several factors that affect the healing process for each patient. Fortunately, most people can expect to heal in about 10 days. The individual undergoing surgery should understand that the first two days require the most care and attention to ensure proper healing.
It is normal to experience light bleeding the first day following extraction. The patient may be prescribed pain medication to minimize discomfort. An ice pack may be placed on the jaw to reduce swelling. However, people should only use an ice pack for 10 minutes at a time to avoid tissue damage.
There will be a gauze pad placed over the extraction site, which should be kept in place for at least three hours. If the gauze pad becomes soaked with blood, the individual can replace it with another pad after the initial three hours.
The patient should plan on resting for the first 24 hours following surgery. Though tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure, the body still needs time to mend, and the patient should plan on limiting strenuous activities for the next few days. The blood clot on the extraction site needs time to heal in order to prevent dry socket.
Also, the patient should not rinse the mouth, drink with a straw, or spit for the first 24 hours. This prevents the blood clot from dislocating from the extraction site.
In addition to performing good aftercare, patients can improve healing by following some recovery tips. First, plan a menu that includes eating soft foods for the first seven days following surgery. Yogurt, applesauce, and pudding are good choices for the first few days. While smoothies are a popular food option, the patient must use a spoon as straws should be avoided for at least the first two days. The patient can consume soup and other hot liquids after the first 24 hours.
Also, the patient should avoid smoking for at least three days. Smoking hinders healing and can contaminate the healing site.
While healing, people should be very careful when cleaning the mouth. The patient can gently rinse with warm, salt water 24 hours after surgery. Regular teeth brushing and flossing can resume after 24 hours, but the extraction site should be avoided for about two weeks.
Dry socket is a condition that results in the blood clot pulling away from the extraction site. This exposes the bone and can be very painful. A patient can reduce the risk of developing dry socket by following the aftercare instructions from a dental professional, including avoiding smoking, not drinking from straws, and cleaning the mouth with care.
Tooth extraction is sometimes a necessary procedure that is performed on permanent teeth. A patient can improve their healing, speed recovery, and avoid complications by performing good aftercare.
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