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May 10, 2021
Tooth extraction may sound like a terrifying experience, but it is not that dreadful. The reasons for extraction may range from tooth decay and injury to gum disease and impacted wisdom tooth.
It is a common procedure that requires the administration of general anaesthesia to alleviate the pain. It is an oral surgery that involves bleeding and stitches.
However, wounds in the mouth heal faster than other parts of the body, and you can forget all about the extraction in just a week. There are certain tips recommended by expert dentist Hope Island that can help you recover quickly after tooth extraction.
The aftercare instructions are beneficial in speeding up the healing process. So, make sure you follow them to avoid infection and boost recuperation.
1. Hold the Gauze in Place
Tooth extraction involves using a surgical device to rock the tooth back and forth on its position until it becomes loose and then pulling it out with dental forceps.
After the removal of the tooth, a blood clot will be formed in the socket, and the dentist will cover it with gauze to stop bleeding. The patient must hold the gauze tightly in place for three to four hours to stop bleeding.
Do not spit or rinse your mouth for 24 hours as it can displace the blood clot and cause fresh bleeding. Also, keep changing the gauze frequently to avoid infection.
2. Use a Cold Compress
Get an ice pack and place it on your face immediately after the procedure. It should be applied for 10 minutes and then taken off for 10-15 minutes. The ice pack should not be kept on the face for too long as it can lead to tissue damage. The cooling effect helps in reducing swelling, and it usually subsides within 1-2 days.
3. Take Rest and Relax
Oral surgery should not be taken lightly, and you must rest for 24 hours after the extraction. You must sit in an upright position during the day and make sure that your head is propped up with pillows while sleeping.
It is vital because lying flat on your back can interfere with the healing of the treated area. Stay away from physical exertion for a few days so that you do not end up dislodging the blood clot due to rapid blood circulation during exercise.
4. Stick to Soft Foods
With a surgical wound in your mouth, you are not supposed to eat hard or chewy foods. Make sure that you rely on a liquid or soft diet for a few days that includes soups, juices, fruit milkshakes, smoothies, ice cream, applesauce, yoghurt, mashed potatoes, and stewed sweet potatoes and carrots.
Include foods that contain vitamin A and C to boost healing. Do not use a straw for fluids as sucking can remove the blood clot from the socket. Drink lots of water and avoid coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages.
Make sure that you eat after the anaesthesia has worn off so that you do not accidentally hurt yourself because of the numbness in your mouth.
5. Clean Your Mouth
You should not brush, floss, or rinse your teeth for 24 hours after the surgery. To keep your mouth clean, you can rinse it gently with warm saline water that can be prepared by adding half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water.
The saline water rinses should be repeated 4-5 times during the day to restrict infection. Rinse gently every time after eating so that there are no leftovers around the treated area that can lead to a bacteria build-up.
You can start brushing and flossing after 24 hours to keep your teeth healthy and clean. Make sure you do not brush over the socket, and be careful to avoid hurting the sensitive gums.
6. Take Your Medication
Your oral surgeon will prescribe antibiotic medicines to avoid infection and reduce pain. Usually, painkillers are needed if the bone is also removed during the surgery. Make sure that you take the medicines on time and complete the course as directed by the dentist.
7. Say No to Tobacco
Smokers need to put a stop to the habit for 3-4 days after tooth extraction. The restriction on smoking can be extended if it is not an addiction. People who chew tobacco products need to follow the same guidelines and quit the habit for some time. The use of tobacco can inhibit the healing process and lead to infection.
8. Contact Your Dentist
You must stay vigilant of the wound and contact your dentist immediately if there is a constant throbbing pain that is not getting relieved through medication.
You must check with the dentist if the bleeding is not stopping even after pressing the gauze over the socket. Keep examining the treated area for any infection and book an appointment with the oral surgeon straightaway if you get a fever that lasts for more than a day or if you find it difficult to swallow or breathe.
Conclusion
You must adhere to the instructions of the dentist in Hope Island to make sure you do not contract an infection and heal quickly. Thus, keep the tips mentioned above in mind to get the best results.
