Infection Control Procedures

Home Care After a Tooth Extraction

Tooth Extraction Swampscott, MA

After a tooth extraction procedure, it is important to follow the aftercare tips provided by the dentist to ensure full healing and prevent complications. The first few days after the treatment are crucial, and a quick recovery will mean that you can resume your normal activities as soon as possible. This article highlights a few routines to follow at home after the procedure.

Home after care instructions

It is important to avoid any activity that might disrupt the healing process. This means limiting exercises, not rinsing vigorously, avoiding smoking or alcohol intake and not brushing around the area for at least three days.

Handling bleeding

After the tooth extraction, a blood clot will form naturally to halt bleeding and initiate the healing process. The dentist will ask the patient to bite on a gauze pad for a few minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing continues, the patient should replace the gauze pad and bite firmly for at least 30 minutes. This can be repeated several times until the bleeding stops.

Patients need to be careful not to disturb the clot and avoid vigorous exercise for at least a day after the tooth extraction. This may increase blood pressure and cause more bleeding, break the clot and prevent quick healing. If the bleeding continues, be sure to reach out to the dentist immediately.

Handling swelling and pain

If a tooth has been extracted, patients may experience pain and swelling. This often occurs as part of the healing and recovery process. Applying an ice pack or closed bag of frozen peas over the area will reduce the swelling. Swelling should subside within a day or two.

The patients may also need to take pain medications and antibiotics according to the dentist’s instructions. This will help reduce pain and prevent infection. Patients must continue to take the prescribed antibiotics for the specified duration, even if they are no longer experiencing signs of pain or infection. If the medication seems to be ineffective for the pain, contact the dental office.

Diet

On the day of the procedure, patients need to take in as many fluids and nutritious, soft foods as they can. Unless otherwise instructed, normal meals can resume as soon as the patient feels comfortable enough. If nausea sets in after the procedure, drink flat soda (like Pepsi or Coke) or eat soda crackers.

Oral hygiene

With tooth extraction, it is important to keep the mouth clean for proper healing. Therefore, a normal dental routine should resume after a day. This means brushing and flossing the teeth at least once or twice a day. Keeping the mouth clean will help keep infection away and ensure quick healing after the procedure.

Final note

If severe bleeding pain or swelling persists for another two or three days or you experience an adverse reaction to medications after a tooth extraction, please reach out to the general dentist. The home care instructions provided should help ensure healing and recovery.

Request an appointment here: https://www.bryancousindmd.com or call Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of the North Shore at (781) 443-8268 for an appointment in our Swampscott office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in Swampscott, MA.

 

Recent Posts

Recovering From A Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is not something that anyone looks forward to; however, it is often necessary in order to restore oral health. Thankfully, modern-day technology has allowed for innovative practices, which help to reduce discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. Nonetheless, after the fact, there are still a few important things to do in order to recover properly.…

Who Needs A Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

A wisdom tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that is performed by a dentist to remove one or more of your wisdom teeth. These are the four permanent adult teeth situated at the back corners of the mouth on the top and bottom. Wisdom teeth, also referred to as third molars, are usually the last…

How Long Is Recovery After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Wisdom tooth extraction is a procedure that is not typically enjoyable but is often necessary in order to eliminate pain and crowding within the oral cavity. Individuals that are preparing for wisdom tooth extraction may find it helpful to get familiar with the recovery process, which can be involved, depending on the number of teeth…

Tooth Extraction Is A Rite Of Passage For Many

Wisdom teeth can cause more trouble if they are left in. Remove them to relieve pain.Among the milestones you reach in life from your first steps to learning to drive, wisdom teeth extractions may be necessary. While the process may not sound appealing, it can provide immediate relief and prevent further oral health issues. We…

Recent Posts

Tips For Oral Hygiene Basics

4 Tips For Oral Hygiene Basics

A healthy smile requires a lifetime of focusing on oral hygiene basics. Even if you currently have healthy teeth and history of proper dental care, a review of best practices is helpful to maintain good daily habits.Focus on the details of these broad oral hygiene basics to ensure you retain your healthy, natural pearly whites…

Oral Hygiene Basics That Can Affect Your Teeth

4 Oral Hygiene Basics That Can Affect Your Teeth

Practicing good oral hygiene basics is essential for keeping beautiful, strong teeth and gums as well as staying healthy throughout the entire body. Here are four of the most common ways to ensure excellent oral health and hygiene.Dentists recommend that everyone brush their teeth at least two times per day for two minutes each session.…