What is Tooth Extraction?

You’ve just had a tooth extracted. It is natural that changes will occur in your mouth afterward. Your dentist will give you instructions but it is important that you talk to you dentist if you have any query or problems. Here are some general guidelines.

Post Extraction Instructions

Anesthetics

The length and the time you experience numbness varies, depending on the amount and the type of the anesthetic used. While your mouth is numb, you’ll want to be careful not to bite your lip, cheek or tongue. For this reason, it is important that you do not have any foods that require chewing while your mouth is still numb. If you have liquids it is important to not use a straw as the pressure created my dislodge the clot and cause fresh bleeding. The numbness should subside in a few hours.

Bleeding

Your dentist may place a gauze pack on the site to limit the bleeding and confine the blood while clotting takes place. This pack should be left in its place for about 30 – 45 minutes after you leave the dentists office. Do not chew on the pack, just hold it gently.

After the pack is removed you may experience some bleeding, if so follow these instructions:

Fold a piece of clean gauze thick enough to bite on. Dampen the gauze with warm water and hold it on the extraction site.

Apply moderate pressure by closing your teeth firmly over the gauze pad. Maintain this pressure for 30 minutes.

Do not suck on the extraction site or disturb it with your tongue.A slight amount of blood may leak from the wound till the clot forms. Do not panic. However if it is heavy bleeding contact your dentist.

Here is how you can take care of the clot that will help heal your wound faster

1. Do not smoke, consume alcohol, drink with a straw or rinse vigorously for the next 24 hrs.
2. Avoid mouth wash or aerated drinks or alcohol.
3. Do not clean next to the bleeding socket for the rest of the day. However floss and rish other teeth thoroughly.
4. Limit strenuous activity for the next 24 hrs.

Medication

If your dentist has prescribed medicines to control infection and pain, use them as directed. Call the dentist if the pain is not controlled, do not self medicate.

Swelling and pain

You can help reduce swelling that may occur after extraction by applying a cold ice pack on your face for about 30 min in regular intervals. If your pain and swelling does not reduce over a prolonged period or you suffer from nausea, severe pain, bleeding or fever, contact your dentist immediately.

Diet

Eat healthy but soft nutritious diet, drink plenty of fluids and keep your self fit. Try chewing from the opposite side. Start solid food consumption slowly and when you feel comfortable.

Follow up

Make sure you follow up after your extraction, when instructed, even if you feel fine.