Louisville dentist, Dr. William Newman, will always try to preserve your natural teeth through several dental treatments.
However, sometimes a tooth extraction is unavoidable.
Whether it’s a wisdom tooth that’s causing more harm than good or a badly damaged tooth, extractions are a fairly straightforward procedure. Even so, you’ll need to make some minor adjustments in order to help the extraction site heal.
Here are the main dos and don’ts after tooth extraction:
After a tooth is pulled, you should:
Your body needs rest to heal, so you should go right home after your procedure. It’s also wise to avoid any strenuous activity or going to the gym for the first few days.
Physical activity can increase blood pressure, which can lead to bleeding and dry socket, a painful complication where the blood clot formed in the extraction site dislodges.
Water is your friend after tooth extraction. It will help flush away food particles and harmful bacteria, keeping the extraction site clean.
Drink still water and avoid using a straw, as the suction motion can dislodge the clot.
Some discomfort after a tooth extraction is perfectly normal. It usually goes away in a few days.
In the meantime, you can manage your pain and swelling with OTC pain medication like Ibuprofen or by applying a cold compress to your cheek.
Here’s what you should never do after tooth extraction:
Smoking has been shown to delay healing. The act of smoking a cigarette creates suction, which can dislodge a clot. It’s best to quit or refrain from it as much as possible to allow the extraction side to properly heal.
Fizzy drinks and alcohol can affect the blood clot and lead to unwanted complications. You should try to stick to plain water for a few days.
You should eat on the other side of the mouth for a few days. You should also keep in mind that not all types of foods are appropriate.
Hard foods like nuts, chips, or crackers may damage the blood clots. When eating, particles can travel to the other side of the mouth and cause complications.
Stick to soft foods in the beginning, which you don’t really need to chew. These can include mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, broth, and soups. Make sure to avoid really hot foods to avoid slurping or sipping.
A tooth extraction is Dr. William Newman’s last resort for improving your oral health.
If you have a badly damaged tooth, schedule a consultation at Perennial Dental to learn if you need an extraction or if the tooth can be saved through other dental interventions.
Have more questions? Call us at (502) 458-5292 today for a short chat.
