Caring for Yourself After a Tooth Extraction

May 25 • 1 minute read

Having a tooth extracted is a rather simple procedure that typically heals quickly. Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions and may inform you of a rare complication that is commonly referred to as “dry socket.”

What Is A Dry Socket?

When a tooth is removed a blood clot forms in the space left behind to protect the surrounding nerves and tissue. If the clot becomes dislodged, these areas become vulnerable to infection and unnecessary pain.

Preventing Dry Socket 

Your dentist can address the rare case of dry socket in his office, but it’s best to avoid the experience by practicing the following these simple steps:

Eating and Drinking – after the procedure, when you are ready to eat, choose soft foods and chew on the side opposite to the extraction area. Stay away from sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic beverages and don’t drink from a straw for as long as your dentist advises, usually a week or so.

Tobacco use – smoking and chewing tobacco is a common cause of dry socket. While quitting is always advised for oral and overall health, waiting 48 hours to partake in this habit can substantially lower your risk.

Cleaning the Area - Wait at least 24 hours before cleaning the extraction area so you don’t disturb the clot formation prematurely. Gently brush your remaining teeth and your tongue, and after a full day has passed, rinse gently with an antibacterial mouthwash.

Rest - Avoid vigorous physical activity such as playing sports or engaging in strenuous exercise for about a week. This can also disrupt the healing process in the early stages. 

If you experience serious discomfort after an extraction, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen, and contact your dentist if the pain does not subside, if it radiates to your face, or is accompanied by swelling, redness, or fever.

Following your oral surgeon's or dentist's instructions are important.  Recovery from a tooth extraction should be an easy process, but occasionally complications can arise. To decrease your chances of these complications even further, remember to follow the simple preventive steps above.

If you are in the Columbia or Ellicott City area and need to see the dentist, call Harris Dental Group today.

Happy Healing!

 

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