You’ve just extracted your teeth and are anxious about what to do next.
Will the pain ever go away? How would you eat?
If these questions come to mind, do not skip this informative guide!
We will give you instructions regarding tooth extraction aftercare for a better and speedy recovery. We will also discuss what to eat or not after tooth extraction. Let’s get started!
What is Teeth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is the teeth removal from the jawbone, by a dentist. It is usually performed when a tooth is broken or diseased or causes discomfort that cannot be fixed by procedures such as a filling or
Main Two Types of Teeth Removals:
- Simple Extraction: This is done on teeth exposed in the mouth. The dentist often uses dental instruments to wobble and extract the tooth without surgery.
- Surgical Extraction: This is a little more tedious and might be mandatory if the tooth is cracked, partially embedded beneath the gums or not fully visible. It commonly may require that the dentist opens the gum and surgically removes the tooth.
What Happens After Tooth Extraction?
When the tooth has been extracted, the healing process starts right after. Additionally, after the process is completed, there is pain, inflammation, redness, and a slight discharge of blood. Your dentist will advise you on the recovery instruction procedure.
In the first few days, the blood has to clot in the void space for the healing process to begin. This clot also serves the purpose of shielding the bone and nerve endings from any possibility of an infection and also encourages tissue repair.
The signs of healing generally persist, and it could take several weeks for the gum tissue to fully heal with the bone tissue intact, possibly taking several months.
How to Stop Bleeding After Tooth Extraction?
It is usual for tooth extractions to cause bleeding within the initial 24 hours of surgery. To stop bleeding after the extraction, follow these steps:
- Bite on a gauze pad: After the procedure, your dentist will put gauze on the extraction site to control bleeding. Chew gently to pressure the wound to allow the clot to form.
- Change the gauze as needed: If blood seeps through the gauze, refill the area with a new piece of gauze. It is also important not to put much pressure on the clot because this has the effect of removing the clot.
- Stay calm and rest: Do not use your lips, face, jaws or head much, chattering or making facial expressions, eating or chewing on anything. Tilt your head backward so that you minimize circulation to the zone.
- Use a tea bag if needed: If you continue to bleed, the subsequent idea will help. Instead of using gauze, you may use a moistened tea bag. Tea tannins can act as a blood vessels’ vasoconstrictor, thus helping clotting bloody solutions.
- Avoid sucking or spitting: Such actions as sucking on a straw or simply spitting cause the clot to become dislodged and bleeding begins again.
You can consult your dentist if you are still oozing blood after some hours or if the flow is heavy.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Recovery Time
Recovery time after the extraction of the third molar aches depends on the individual but is not random. Healing of the joint after such an operation typically does not take a long time; the peak of inflammation and pain is observed within 3 to 4 days after the operation. Subsequently, you may have minor discomfort or sensitivity lasting a few days to weeks.
In most instances, however, the tooth extraction healing process that has to do with the tissue may take two to six weeks after the wisdom tooth extraction. However, bone and nearby structures could take several months to recover. It is important to strictly follow your dentist’s aftercare advice and avoid consuming hard, sticky or hot foods and beverages within the first 72 hours.
When you know the tooth extraction healing stages and process, recovery can be speedy, and risks can be avoided.
Things Not to Do After Teeth Removal
The patient must follow correct aftercare measures when they have undergone tooth extraction. Then, some practices must be shunned to avert other risks, including delayed healing, dry sockets and others.
Here’s what not to do after teeth removal:
- Do Not Smoke or Use Tobacco: Smoking can also shorten the duration it takes for the wound to heal and is also a cause of dry socket, a condition where the blood clot in the socket is displaced, leading to severe pain. It is advised not to use tobacco for 48-72 hours following the surgery.
- Avoid Energetic Activities: Avoid high-impact activities like jogging, swimming, and weight lifting for at least a day up to 48 hours. Pressure may enhance blood flow to the extraction site and reignite hemorrhage.
- Do Not Drink Through a Straw: It is possible that by taking a straw and sucking it, the clot which is usually formed will be wiped out, resulting in a dry socket. As such, avoiding drinking directly from the glasses is recommended.
- Avoid Spitting Forcefully: Excessive spitting can interfere with the blood clot. However, in case of accidental spillage of substances to the oral cavity, the mouth should be rinsed gently using warm salt water a day after the procedure was done.
- Stay Away from Hot or Spicy Foods: These may cause inflammation of the extraction site and may also cause discomfort. It’s advisable to avoid taking very hot foods along with very hard textured foods in the initial days.
- Don’t Touch the Area: Do not touch the extraction site with your tongue, fingers or any other objects. This can bring bacteria and also slow the process of wound healing.
What to Eat After Tooth Extraction?
A proper diet is essential for comfort and fast recovery after tooth extraction. After dental surgery, consuming only soft, non-acidic, and non-carbonated food for the first few days is recommended. Here are some suggestions:
- Soups: Low-heat soups such as chicken or vegetables are appropriate as they help nourish the throat without irritating it.
- Mashed Foods: Meals like mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, or even mashed cauliflower are gentle and do not rub against the extraction site.
- Yogurt and Smoothies: These foods are great because they are not hard on your mouth. But they give you all the nutrients you need. Don’t use a straw when taking smoothies. Rather, use a spoon.
- Scrambled Eggs: The scrambled eggs, which are soft and contain a lot of proteins, are perfect for meals required after the recovery.
- Pudding: These have that sweet effect which soothes our gum, especially for some of us who have a severe gum problem.
- Soft Pasta or Rice: Pasta and rice should be cooked soft; that way, they will not cause further complications as you deal with the illness.
Conclusion
If you have a tooth that has to be extracted, do not worry; it is very easy to heal after the procedure. Applying the proper aftercare and the right foods after the procedure will help you recover.
Whether you’re getting ready for a dental process or require professional advice for your oral health, SmileOn is at your service. Their highly skilled staff offers you specialized services to meet your requirements.
Don’t wait any longer to talk to a dentist about your dental needs – schedule your visit at SmileOn now!
Better care today, a bright smile tomorrow!