You have finally gotten the tooth extraction that you have been dreading for days now. The procedure was done under local anaesthesia so you could get through it easily. But what about once the anaesthesia wears down? ‘Will I feel pain’? ‘Will I be able to eat normally?’ ‘Will there be any relapse or infection?’ If these and more such questions have crossed your mind, then read along to know the detailed steps and care to be taken following a tooth extraction; immediately after the procedure and for the next few days.
- The first thing to do after a tooth extraction is to bite hard on the gauze piece that your dental surgeon will place in the tooth socket. You need to bite down on it and not open your mouth for at least the next 30 minutes to one hour. This is to ensure that the blood platelets get enough time to clot and seal off the wound.
- In this time period or even after you remove the cotton, remember that you should Not spit. Spitting hard would disturb the sealed wound and open it again. You can swallow the pooled up saliva.
- After an hour or so, you can slowly open your mouth, remove the cotton piece, discard it safely and eat something cold. Preferably a smooth ice cream (without any nuts). The cold temperature gives a vasoconstriction (narrowing of blood vessels) effect, which means less chances of post op bleeding.
- Diet changes for the next 3 - 4 days would be - Avoid excessive hot and spicy foods as this will cause a vasodilation (expanding the blood vessels) effect which might risk bleeding.
- Avoid using a straw or sucking anything with your mouth as the negative pressure created might dislodge or break the clot/sealed wound.
- You can apply an ice pack from the outside to reduce the swelling. The more you ice, the sooner the swelling goes down.
- Lukewarm water gargle with salt is advised to remove any food accumulation and to give an antibacterial effect. But remember not to spit hard.
- Do not brush hard near the area of treatment, and do not disturb it with your tongue in any way.
- You can start taking your prescribed medication on the same evening as you got your tooth extracted. Remember to take the complete painkiller and antibiotic medication as your dental surgeon has suggested.
- For patients who might have stopped their anticoagulant medication prior the tooth extraction, you may restart them after a day or two on the advice of your dental doctor.
- For patients who have gotten their wisdom tooth removed and sutures were placed post treatment, you might need a followup checkup. Thankfully with Prudentoe, this step is made easier as we ourselves come to your doorstep. We are with you for, through and even after the treatment.
- If you face any burning sensation, dryness or foul smell, visit your dentist as soon as possible. This might be an indication of a ‘dry socket’ due to breakage of the wound seal and exposure of the internal tissue.
Most importantly, remember to rest, hydrate and do not panic. You have been through a dental procedure. It is okay to rest. You are on medication. It is needed to eat well. And it is perfectly alright if you want to consult us again to clear your doubts or for a follow up.
Still worried about tooth extraction? Well, book your consultation now at Prudentoe. We understand the dental fear of patients and are always willing to help clinically and mentally.
