What To Do After A Tooth Extraction: The Dos And Don’ts!

Are you wondering what to do after your tooth is extracted?

Although tooth extraction is generally only performed as a last solution, there are several reasons why teeth may require to be removed. It may be needed because a tooth is impacted and weakening neighboring healthy teeth. Also, the tooth could be diseased, and extracting is now the only solution. Or, whenever there are cases of overcrowding, tooth removal is performed in order to make better space in the mouth to get a healthy smile.

Whatever may be the reasons behind getting your tooth extracted, it’s crucial to note that there are dos and don’ts that you actually ought to follow after the extraction method. This allows your mouth to heal properly and fast.  So without further ado, let’s dive in!

The Dos:

• Rest. Just relax for 2-3 days. But this doesn’t mean you need to be completely bedridden.
• Elevate your head. It will help to minimize the level of swelling.
• Place an ice pack for the first 24-48 hours after the extraction. Icing will definitely lessen your pain and reduce your swelling. Continue to apply the ice packs 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for 1-2 hour time periods.
• Bite on your cotton gauze. This pressure helps your bleeding to stop.
• Keep it clean. You need to gargle with the salt-water solution once a day.

• Have liquid and soft food for 2-3 days. You can have mashed potatoes, soups, milkshakes, yogurts, smoothies, etc. If you take solid foods, it will disturb the extraction site.
• Eat from the opposite side. Doing this will not irritate the wound and will allow healing.

• Do jaw exercises. Slowly open and close your mouth for a couple of days. But take note, you must not try to do this immediately after your tooth extraction.
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. But remember that you must not use a straw!
• Take your medicines as prescribed. Never skip your dose, or else it will become difficult to lessen the pain later.
• Brush gently. Only start to brush your teeth the next day after your extraction procedure. But don’t try to brush the tooth extraction area.

The Don’ts:

• Do not use straws. Don’t suck, spit, smoke, or have alcohol. Avoiding all of these helps to maintain the blood clot that slowly builds over the extraction part.  Somehow, if the clot becomes dislodged, there may be more bleeding and pain. A potential side effect will also appear termed dry sockets.
• Don’t drink, eat, or talk immediately post-extraction. If you do all these, it will irritate the extraction site.
• Do not eat solid food items for a few days. Do not take spicy foods, sodas, hot or carbonated drinks, etc. for some days.
• Don’t take aspirin. Aspirin is actually a blood thinner and for this reason, it will delay clot formation.
• Stop icing after the first 48 hours after your extraction. Instead, you can use warm water in your extraction region. It will alleviate your pain and promote healing.
• Don’t poke into the gap. The gap created because of extraction should not be poked with your tongue, finger, tissue, toothpick, or other stuff. It may delay your healing time, provoke bleeding, and further result in a dry socket.
• Don’t rinse your mouth too strenuously. The pressure may dislodge the blood clot and cause many complications.

Also, see your dentist if it continues to bleed even after 24 hours or you experience fever or any discomfort.

Get the help you need!

You can get in touch with Advanced Family Dentistry if you want to receive the best tooth extraction service in Nashua, NH. Our dentist in Nashua uses the least invasive techniques possible to minimize discomfort post-surgery.  We strive to offer the best treatment and guidance to our patients for any of their dental issues along with optimal comfort. We are just a call away.