The Do's and Don'ts In Tooth Extractions

Dec 31

Many tooth extraction patients have never undergone surgery before, and our doctors understand this. Because this may be your first surgical treatment, Dentists in Rock Hill, SC, take extra time and care to educate their tooth extraction patients on what to do and what not to do following their procedure.

The extraction of a tooth from its socket in the bone is known as tooth extraction. It can be frightening and nerve-wracking to be faced with a tooth extraction. Did you realize that tooth extraction is a relatively standard dental procedure?

Here's a rundown of the top tooth extraction dos and don'ts to help you get ready for the process.

Do the following after tooth extractions:

Follow the directions on any pain medicine you've been given. This means you shouldn't skip a dose merely because you're feeling fine or because it's late at night. To keep on top of your pain, you must take every prescribed amount.

After your surgery, take some time off work to relax. After tooth extractions, you'll be numb for a long time, and if you had IV sedation, you'll probably feel a little loopy and out of it. Patients are encouraged to take the rest of the day off work following tooth extractions to rest, with their head elevated, to recuperate from their treatment.

Keep a close eye on your diet. Tooth extractions, such as wisdom tooth extractions, frequently expose the jawbone tissue. A blood clot will grow spontaneously over the exposed tissue, but it can be easily damaged or destroyed if you overeat hard and crunchy foods.

Instead, eat mushy items like bananas and eggs or spoon-feed yourself juices, soups, smoothies, and milkshakes until you're told to resume your regular diet. Don't worry; as soon as your doctor gives you the green light, you'll be allowed to dine at your favorite restaurant.

Then after eating, gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out.

Don't do the following after tooth extractions:

Patients who have extracted teeth should not brush, floss, or use antimicrobial mouthwash until the doctors say it's okay. We understand that this order is strange because dental professionals always advise you to brush twice a day. However, if you brush your surgical sites too soon after tooth extractions, you risk dislodging the blood clot that supports the healthy repair of your jawbone tissue.

If at all possible, do not use a straw. Drinking through a straw can disrupt your blood clot, which will not form again if injured, resulting in dry sockets. This is a painful side effect that can be avoided by sipping tiny amounts of their liquids gently and carefully.

After your tooth extraction operation, avoid smoking cigarettes. Like that of straw, the sucking motion of smoking can dislodge a necessary blood clot for optimal healing. Nicotine also constricts blood vessels, making it more difficult for your mouth to recover when compared to non-smokers.

After tooth extraction, the most important thing to remember is to keep the area clean and clear of infection. Following the procedure, your dentist may urge you to bite down on a piece of dry, sterile gauze for up to 30 to 45 minutes to prevent bleeding while clotting occurs. Your dentist will offer you detailed aftercare instructions, but you should avoid smoking, rinsing your mouth aggressively, or cleaning the teeth around the extraction site for the first 24 hours.

You'll be expecting some pain and discomfort after an extraction. Your dentist may recommend or prescribe pain medication in some cases. An ice pack applied to your cheek may assist in reducing swelling. Limit strenuous exercise, avoid hot liquids, and avoid drinking with a straw. Under normal circumstances, discomfort should subside in three to two weeks. Contact your dentist or oral surgeon right away if you have persistent or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or a fever.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time tooth extraction patient, the best approach to ensure a successful and pain-free process is to closely follow your Dentists in Rock Hill, SC, instructions before and after the procedure. Tooth extraction from River District Smiles makes room for something bigger and can help you keep your smile healthy and confident. Call us now!

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