Having a tooth pulled? Don't worry, proper aftercare can make all the difference. Whether it’s your first extraction or a follow-up procedure, knowing how to care for the extraction site is key to avoiding complications like infection or dry socket.
Let’s walk you through everything you need to do to recover quickly and comfortably.
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1. Apply Sterile Gauze to Stop the Bleeding
Bleeding usually happens within the first 12 to 24 hours after a tooth extraction. If it starts, gently bite down on a clean piece of gauze for about 20 minutes to help stop it. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, you should reach out to your dental surgeon to get it checked out.
Also, keep in mind that you should change the gauze as needed. Follow your dentist’s instructions when it comes to changing the gauze. Usually, they’ll advise leaving it in for a while after the extraction and only taking it out later, unless the bleeding starts again.
2. Rest Completely for the First 24 Hours
Plan to rest for at least the first 24 hours after your tooth extraction to help your body heal properly. Avoid heavy activities, get plenty of sleep, and take it easy during this initial recovery period.
3. Use a Cold Compress to Reduce Swelling
It’s normal to have some swelling on the outside of your jaw after a tooth extraction. To help reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to your cheek for 20 minutes, then remove it and wait another 20 minutes before using it again. You can repeat this cycle as needed during the first day.
4. Eat Soft, Non-Hot Food
After about an hour, you can start eating and drinking using the opposite side of your mouth. During the healing process, it’s best to stick to soft foods that are easy to eat and won’t get stuck in the extraction site.
Just make sure to avoid anything too hot or too cold, as extreme temperatures can irritate the area and slow down healing. Think about soup, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, or smoothies, anything that doesn’t require much chewing and is at room temperature.
5. Take Medication as Prescribed by Your Dentist
For tooth extraction, your dental surgeon may prescribe antibiotics and painkillers to support healing and prevent infection. It’s important to take all medications exactly as prescribed and complete the full course, even if you start feeling better, to ensure proper recovery and avoid complications.
6. Rinse with Salt Water after 24 Hours
On the day after your extraction, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gently rinse your mouth. You can hold the solution over the wound inside your mouth for a few seconds before spitting it out. Keep doing this after meals and before bed each night for at least five days to help keep the area clean.
Avoid These Things
During your tooth extraction recovery, it’s important to be mindful, so here are some actions to prevent that could slow down the healing process.
1. Do Not Smoke or Vape for at Least 72 Hours
It's best to avoid smoking throughout the healing process, especially the first couple of days after your extraction. This period of time is when the blood clot forms to protect the site.
Smoking or vaping can shrink your blood vessels and reduce blood flow, which means less oxygen reaches the healing tissues, increasing the risk of complications like dry socket.
2. Avoid Using a Straw When Drinking
Using a straw in the first few days after a tooth extraction can interfere with the healing process, so it’s best to avoid it. The suction created when drinking through a straw can put pressure on the healing site and dislodge the blood clot, increasing the risk of a painful condition called dry socket. Stick to sipping gently from a cup instead.
3. Do Not Spit or Rinse Forcefully
Spitting builds up pressure in your mouth, which might disturb the blood clot or loosen any stitches. When rinsing or spitting, use slow and gentle motions to avoid disrupting the healing site. Being too forceful can lead to complications and slow down your recovery.
4. Do Not Touch the Wound with Your Tongue or Fingers
It’s important to leave the extraction site alone and avoid touching it with your fingers and tongue. While it might be tempting to check the area, repeatedly poking it with your tongue or finger can interfere with healing and increase the risk of infection.
Read Also: When Can I Eat Solid Food After Tooth Extraction?
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