Tooth Extraction Aftercare: 7 Helpful Tips From A Taylor Dentist
Every year at ACE Dental of Taylor, we see hundreds of patients who need one or more of their teeth removed. Most of the time, the problems are related to their wisdom teeth. But whether it’s a simple or surgical tooth extraction, what matters more for patients is the healing time. Our dental expert shares helpful tips to make your post-extraction recovery quick and comfortable.
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Keep the Gauze in Place
After pulling out a tooth, our dentist always places a gauze over the extraction socket and asks the patient to bite down. That pressure is needed to control bleeding.
You’ll have to keep the gauze in your mouth for as long as our dentist recommends (typically 30 to 45 minutes). If you throw it away too soon, the blood clot won’t form, which is the first step toward healing.
Take Pain Medications
Slight pain in the extraction socket is part of the recovery period. We may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help manage discomfort.
Take your medicine exactly as our Taylor dentist suggests. If the pain is not getting better, consult our dentist instead of increasing the dose.
Manage Swelling With Ice Packs
Swelling is usually mild, especially if you had a simple extraction. More noticeable swelling happens after a wisdom tooth surgery. Applying an ice pack to the affected side reduces swelling and also gives temporary pain relief.
Don’t have a cold compress? Simply make one by wrapping a few ice cubes in a cloth and then apply it to your cheek for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Start With a Soft Diet
For the first few days after tooth extraction, you’ll have to hold back from eating some of your favorite snacks. Stick to soft foods, preferably cold.
Eating anything too hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard can irritate the extraction site.
Stay well hydrated with water. Avoid very hot beverages for the first 24 hours, and follow your dentist’s instructions about when it is safe to resume coffee or tea.
Rest and Avoid Strenuous Activities
After the extraction, rest for a day or two. Your body needs to focus on healing the extraction site. So, try to avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for that time period.
Say No to Smoking and Alcohol
Avoid smoking and alcohol intake as they delay normal recovery after tooth removal. Smoking, especially, is very risky because it also irritates gum tissue and limits blood flow to the treatment site.
Keep Your Teeth Clean
After 24 hours, start brushing your teeth, but make sure you do not get too close to the extraction socket. We suggest avoiding gargling, spitting too forcefully, or using a mouthwash for the first day.
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Wrapping Up
Following these guidelines, along with any specific instructions that our dentist gives, can make your post-extraction recovery much smoother. In case a complication arises, reach out to our team at ACE Dental of Taylor right away. Call us today!
Medically Reviewed
Aditi Gupta, D.D.S.
Dr. Aditi Gupta is a renowned family dentist, specializing in general, restorative and cosmetic dentistry at ACE Dental with 9 locations across central Texas. She has been an esteemed practitioner for over 12 years and earned her board certification from the American Board of General Dentistry as well as memberships in both the American Dental Association and Texas Dental Association.