Tooth extractions are commonplace in dentistry, with dentists pulling millions of teeth each year. Whether you need to have a tooth extracted due to trauma, overcrowding, or decay, knowing how to look after your extraction site after the procedure is vital. At 44th Street Dental, we understand the importance of knowledge, and in this blog post, we work to help you understand the best way to care for your oral health following tooth extractions in Edina.
Days 1-2
The most important part of a successful recovery is maintaining the blood clot that forms at the extraction site. This blood clot is an important part of the healing process because it helps you avoid serious complications such as a dry socket.
On days 1-2, DO:
- Get lots of rest- your body needs to heal after getting tooth extractions near you. You must get plenty of rest for the first 24 hours and avoid any strenuous activities for the first 48 hours after your procedure.
- Sleep with your head elevated- sleeping with your head high up on extra pillows will encourage your blood to clot and quicken the healing process.
- Use gauze to promote clot formation- after your tooth extraction, your dentist in Edina will send you home with gauze packed tightly over the extraction site. You should leave this gauze in place for a few hours following your procedure and bite down gently on it to provide pressure.
- Eat soft foods- hard foods can dislodge the blood clot, so stick to foods such as mashed potatoes, eggs, and soup for the first two days.
- Use ice packs- to ease pain and swelling, apply ice packs to your cheeks at 15-minute intervals.
During the first 24-48 hours, DON’T:
- Smoke- when it comes to tooth extractions, the chemicals found in tobacco products can lower the chances of blood clotting and therefore increase your risk of developing a dry socket.
- Use a straw- any sucking action can dislodge your blood clot, increase your risk of bleeding, and cause a dry socket.
- Rinse your mouth- while you may want to rinse your mouth out, hold off for the first 48 hours, as this action can dislodge a forming blood clot.
- Spit- it is normal to experience an increase in saliva production following a tooth extraction. Try not to spit, though, as this can disturb the extraction site. Instead, lean over a sink and allow the saliva to drip out.
Days 2-14
After two days, DO:
- Continue eating soft foods- until your extraction site is completely healed; you will need to continue with your soft food diet.
- Saline rinses- once the clot is securely formed in the socket, saline rinses can help keep your mouth clean and safe from infection.
- Continue to floss and brush your teeth- maintaining excellent oral hygiene is necessary for good oral health, so you can gently begin to do this once again.
After 48 hours, DON’T:
- Ingest foods with seeds or hard foods- until your extraction site fully heals, avoid eating foods with seeds or that require a lot of chewing because these can irritate the socket and damage your healing process.
- Brush over your extraction site- While maintaining a healthy mouth is important, try not to brush near your extraction site until it is fully healed.
Speak to a Dentist
If you have any more questions about the healing process involved with tooth extractions, please get in touch with our team at 44th Street Dental. Our dentist near you is happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.