
Jan
Dental extractions may be necessary when a tooth can no longer be restored with a filling or a crown, or due to a serious fracture, extensive tooth decay or abscess. For structurally irreparable or impacted teeth, wisdom tooth extraction is often necessary. Often, wisdom teeth require extraction when they are impacted against your second molars, causing root damage or recurrent infections. Sometimes, teeth are overcrowded, or space needs to be created for orthodontic care. Although no one likes them, dental extractions are an indispensable part of dental care. Tooth removal relieves pain, prevents widespread infections, and paves the way for other dental procedures.
While tooth removal at Riverside Dental Clinic is safe and painless, aftercare is vital to prevent unnecessary pain and health complications. Dr. Kenneth Poznikoff has over 30 years of experience in dentistry and has helped countless patients with dental extractions. Here are the tips from our lead dentist about recovering from tooth extraction.
Immediately after tooth extraction, you might experience mild swelling, bruising, and discomfort. These symptoms should subside within a few days and can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. However, it’s important to avoid aspirin, as it is a blood thinner and can slow down the clotting process.
Using a cold compress on the outer cheeks can relieve the discomfort. If the dentist prescribes antibiotics, ensure you complete the dosage. Stopping the medication early can allow some bacteria to survive, potentially leading to a recurrence of the infection or antibiotic resistance.
Rest is the best medicine after your dental extraction. Rest speeds up the healing process by allowing your body to focus its energy on repair and recovery. When you rest, your body reduces the demand for energy in other areas and redirects it toward healing.
So, avoid heavy lifting, stressful work, and other strenuous activities for about 48 hours after tooth extraction. Keep your head elevated to minimize blood flow to the extraction site, which reduces swelling and excessive bleeding.
After dental extraction, your favorite delicacies will be yogurt, broth, soup, milkshakes, oatmeal, veggies, and other soft foods. Smoothies are also great, providing essential nutrients to boost your energy and support healing.
When drinking liquids, use a spoon instead of a straw, as the suction from a straw can dislodge the clot from the extraction site, leading to a painful condition called dry socket. Additionally, it’s best to avoid crunchy, spicy, chewy, or hot foods, as they can irritate the extraction area.
Tooth removal doesn’t mean you have to give up your oral hygiene. You can still brush and floss your teeth, but be gentle around the extraction site to avoid dislodging the stitches, if any. To eliminate oral infections, rinse your mouth with warm, salty water.
If you smoke, you should quit because tobacco products contain substances that slow the healing rate. Additionally, avoid alcohol and alcohol-based oral products as they can interfere with clot formation.
Although rare, complications can occur during healing from a dental extraction. Call us immediately if you experience excessive bleeding, throbbing pain, or increased fever.
Dental extractions are routine procedures at Riverside Dental Clinic and nothing to worry about. The procedure is painless and stress-free, thanks to powerful anesthetics and sedation dentistry. We also offer post-op care to ensure you return to feeling like yourself in no time!
You can count on Dr. Poznikoff and his team when dental extractions are necessary. Call (833) 575-1855 to schedule an appointment today!