AFTERCARE FOR TOOTH EXTRACTION

The second set of teeth that develops replacing the baby teeth is the permanent teeth. Though being permanent, these teeth get extracted due to dental issues. Tooth extraction has become a common phenomenon these days with adults. Tooth extraction is not as painful as it was in yesteryears, however, good care must be nourished to the teeth after the extraction to prevent painful consequences and for quick recovery. Here are the necessary do’s and don’ts to be followed after the extraction of the tooth.

WHAT LEADS TO THE EXTRACTION OF THE TOOTH?

Tooth decay is one of the major causes of the extraction of the tooth. When you consume sugary or sticky foods, these foods stick in the gaps between your teeth and the bacteria in the mouth feed on these sugars, forming plaque and releasing harmful acids that cause enamel erosion. When the enamel gets chipped off, cavities form through which the bacteria reach the inner tissues and roots of the tooth, leading to decay of the tooth. 

Crowded teeth, wisdom tooth and teeth damaged by accident also get extracted. The plaque formed on the gumline infects the gums that lay the foundation for the teeth. When gums get infected, the roots of the tooth also get infected, decaying the tooth. 

DO’S & DON’T’S AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION

After the extraction procedure gets completed, the socket housing that tooth keeps bleeding even if the stitches are in place and hence, the dentist provides gauze pads to promote blood clotting and staunch the bleeding. 
Leave the gauze pad for 3-4 hours until the bleeding stops and blood clots. Change the gauze pads when necessary.
Avoid rinsing your mouth or unhealthy dental practices to prevent the flow of blood and fasten the clotting.
Consume water and other drinks via a straw that does not hurt the treated area.
Apply an ice pack on the treated area to find relief from the pain and the swelling.

Consume the painkillers as prescribed by the dentist to help relieve the pain.
Take enough rest as possible and quit your routine for at least 24 hours.
While sleeping, use a double pillow to keep your face elevated that promotes faster healing by minimizing bleeding.
Do not eat anything for a few hours post the extraction. After a few hours, eat only soft foods like soups, pudding, yoghurt, etc., that do not exert much pressure on the teeth. Chewing hard foods exert too much pressure and can intervene in the healing by initiating bleeding in the treated area.
It is also recommended to eat cold foods like ice creams that promote clotting of blood.

Do not work out or performing physical exercises for 72 hours post the extraction.
Do not brush or rinse your mouth vigorously and try not to touch the affected area for at least 72 hours for quicker healing.
Do not indulge in unhealthy oral practices like smoking or consuming alcohol.
Once you feel your mouth is healing, continue with your normal routine after 48 hours of extraction. Smoking is highly injurious to oral health and hence, give up on smoking permanently.
If there is persistent bleeding in your mouth even after a few hours of tooth extraction, visit the dental clinic. Also, report to the dentist if you experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, etc.

Good dental care is the key to maintain healthy teeth for a lifetime. Practice the daily dental routine, eat healthy foods, give up on unhealthy dental practices like smoking, avoid consuming acidic drinks that harm your teeth and visit the dentist for a regular dental checkup that preserves your dental health. Visit Elite Dental Care, the best dental clinic in Tracy, California for your dental checkups and dental procedures like a root canal, cosmetic dentistry and dental surgeries.