Ouch! We Know Your Tooth Extraction Hurt: Here’s What to Expect in Recovery

Here’s Some Advice to Expedite the Tooth Extraction Healing Process

When you suffer from a tooth issue that requires extraction, a dentist will do everything they can to mitigate discomfort during the procedure. Unfortunately, afterward is often another story altogether. What can you do to help the tooth extraction healing process?

A dentist performs a tooth extraction relying on a local anesthetic. They can then manipulate the tooth to loosen it from its socket for removal. The dentist will then offer a piece of gauze to bite down on gently. This helps to form a blood clot in the area while reducing excessive bleeding. However, this is only the start of the tooth extraction healing and recovery process.

For this reason, Dr. Andres de Cardenas and his care team want to share some information to help patients like you recover from a tooth extraction. 

Caring for Your Teeth Post-Extraction

Some discomfort following a tooth extraction is not uncommon. Nonetheless, this should subside within a few days. Additionally, some patients may want to make this recovery period easier. The good news is that these interventions can also help avoid complications like infection.

Minimize Bleeding

We mentioned earlier that the dentist will administer some gauze at the extraction site after the procedure. You will want to bite down gently in this area to keep the gauze in place for about an hour.

When you finally remove the pad, you may discover a small amount of blood. However, this is entirely normal. The clot will begin to form shortly afterward, and you can leave it undisturbed for the best possible results.

Finally, offer your body some time to heal. You will want to avoid any heavy lifting, even your standard workout routine. Some patients even decide to take the day off of work.

Alleviate Pain and Swelling

The dentist will likely prescribe mild-to-moderate pain medication. Make sure that you take this as it is best to remain ahead of any pain occurrences. In fact, they will probably recommend taking the first does before the initial numbness from the anesthesia wears off. Following this treatment course will help avoid negative instances like an infection.

In the vent that a dentist chooses not to prescribe pain medication or antibiotics, over-the-counter pain relievers actually remain exceptionally effective as well. Take these as needed, following any instructions outlined on the packaging.

For swelling, apply ice packs to the affected region every 10 minutes for 20 minutes at a time. The dentist will recommend performing this cycle for the first 24 hours following a tooth extraction. After approximately 48 hours, you can switch to a warm compress for the best tooth extraction healing results.

Things to Avoid Following a Tooth Extraction

First few days, monitor what you eat and drink following a tooth extraction. Avoid excessively hot foods, as well as any carbonated drinks. For the best procedure results, eat soft foods and avoid biting heavily on the site of the extraction.

You should additionally avoid any tobacco products as well for a few days. The chemicals in these items can delay tooth extraction healing.

Information on Tooth Extraction Healing from Dr. Andres de Cardenas

The majority of patients experience very few problems following a tooth extraction procedure. Our team of friendly and experienced dental professionals does everything they can to make the process as comfortable as possible.

To learn more about tooth extraction healing, in addition to the tooth extraction procedure itself, contact Dr. Andres de Cardenas today!