Tooth extraction, or tooth removal, ranks as a relatively routine oral surgery procedure. While most people don’t experience complications, some problems can interfere with proper healing and new tissue growth. You can reduce your risk of developing these issues if you follow the guidelines proven to support a healthy recovery.
You’ll experience the best results when you’re treated by an experienced oral surgery specialist. Marzieh Oghabian, DDS and the staff of Bahia Dental Group in Pittsburg, California work to ensure that you get the best results by performing a skillful extraction and following up with specific post-procedure instructions.
Find out what to expect after a tooth extraction by reading Dr. Oghabian’s essential tips for post-surgical care. Remember that your specific instructions may vary depending on the number of extractions and your individual circumstances.
Swelling and pain are two of the most common outcomes you can expect after a tooth extraction. The following symptoms occur most intensely within the first days after surgery:
These strategies can help minimize your discomfort and reduce swelling:
Keep your mouth clean and free of bacteria to prevent infection at the site of the tooth extraction. Wait 24 hours after your tooth extraction to begin cleansing.
After 24 hours, rinse gently with a mixture of one-half teaspoon of salt and eight ounces of warm water. Remember to rinse after every meal and snack to remove any food from the extraction site. You can brush and floss the rest of your mouth, but avoid the extraction site.
You can resume eating after a tooth extraction as soon as you feel hungry. If you had local anesthesia, your lips and mouth may feel numb, so it may take a few hours until you can control them skillfully. Avoid hot food and drinks during that time since you may burn yourself without knowing. General anesthesia and pain medication may also delay your appetite after an extraction.
Even if you don’t feel like eating, it’s important to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated helps strengthen your immunity against infections and promotes healing.
When you’re ready to eat, limit your diet to soft and liquid-based foods that require minimal chewing. Some recommended food options include:
Until your extraction site has healed, avoid the following foods that can irritate your gum tissue and complicate your recovery:
Part of your healing process requires the formation of a blood clot in your tooth socket. Avoid the following activities that can disturb the clot and interfere with healing:
If a blood clot doesn’t form within the first day or two after your extraction, or it dislodges or breaks down before the wound heals, a condition called dry socket occurs. Without a blood clot in the socket, your bone and nerve endings become exposed, causing intense pain. The pain from dry socket can radiate from the tooth socket to your ear, eye, temple, or neck.
While you can expect some pain and discomfort after a tooth extraction, your symptoms should gradually improve. Contact the Bahia Dental Group staff if you develop any of the following conditions:
You deserve the best possible results from your tooth extraction. Book online or call our office at 925-267-8251 to arrange an appointment to discuss your tooth extraction needs.
