Do's And Don'ts After Tooth Extraction To Minimize Swelling

What is Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is pulling a tooth from its socket in the bone. It is a common dental procedure usually performed by a Hamilton dentist or an oral surgeon. Emergency tooth extraction can be performed for several reasons, including:

• To remove a tooth that is damaged or decayed beyond repair
• To remove a tooth that is causing crowding or alignment problems
• To prepare for orthodontic treatment (braces)
• Wisdom teeth removal is done on impacted or teeth causing problems

Do’s and Dont’s After Tooth Extraction:

There are ways you can do to minimize swelling and speed up the healing process after having a tooth extraction in Hannon, ON:

• Take Your Medication

It is important to take your medication as your dentist, or oral surgeon prescribes. This will help minimize swelling and speed up the healing process. Over-the-counter pain medication can also be taken as needed for pain relief. If you are experiencing excessive bleeding, visit a dentist to determine if you need a different medication.

• Apply Ice Packs

Applying ice packs to your face can help reduce swelling after tooth extraction. Place the ice pack on your cheek for 10-15 minutes. Repeat this process as often as needed in the first 24 hours after tooth extraction.

• Keep Your Mouth Clean and Hydrated

It is important to keep your mouth clean and hydrated for several reasons. First, keeping your mouth clean and hydrated helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. The saliva cleans the food particles from the teeth, preventing the bacteria from multiplying. Periodontal disease is caused by plaque and bacteria. Plaque can harden into tartar, which irritates the gums and can lead to inflammation and infection.

Second, keeping your mouth clean and hydrated helps to freshen your breath. When you brush your teeth twice daily and floss daily, you remove plaque and food particles from your teeth that can cause bad breath. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day also helps to wash away any lingering food particles or bacteria.

Third, keeping your mouth clean and hydrated can help you avoid other health problems. Maintaining good oral hygiene benefits not only your mouth but also your overall health.

• Avoid using straws after tooth extraction.

After tooth extraction, avoid using straws to prevent any damage or infection. This is because the suction created by the straw can cause the newly formed blood clot to be dislodged, resulting in a dry socket. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and even further complications such as infection. Furthermore, using a straw can also cause bacteria from the mouth to enter the wound and increase the risk of infection. Therefore, it is important for people who have recently had a tooth extraction to avoid using straws to ensure that they heal properly and quickly.

• Avoid Eating Hard Foods

When you have a tooth extracted, it’s important to avoid hard foods so that you don’t cause any damage to your teeth or mouth. Eating hard foods can cause your teeth to break or chip and irritate your gums. Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes for at least a day after tooth extraction.

• Don’t Smoke or Chew Tobacco Products

If you smoke or use tobacco products, it’s avoiding them after having a tooth extracted is important. Tobacco products can delay healing and increase the risk of complications. If you must use them, wait at least 72 hours after the extraction before using tobacco products again.

• Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously for at least 24 hours.

Rinsing your mouth too soon after a dental procedure can cause the blood clot to dislodge and cause a dry socket.

Schedule an Appointment

Taking extra care of your oral health following an extraction will pay off in the long run, so take all necessary precautions. With proper post-operative care, you should be able to keep any discomfort or swelling at bay while giving yourself ample time to recover properly before resuming normal activities. Visit Rymal Family Dental clinic near you for more information about tooth extraction procedures and what to expect.