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Dentist around you describe what precautions are necessary for tooth extraction surgery
Tooth extraction is the surgical procedure of removing an impacted or decayed tooth. It is the last resort in the dental treatment hierarchy. Dentists opt for this procedure when a tooth cannot be healed and returned to its original shape by any other procedure.
Tooth extraction is a minor surgery that is performed on decayed teeth or impacted wisdom teeth. When a tooth cannot be restored, dentists opt for its extraction to save the spread of dental decay and prevent the neighboring teeth from damage.
If you are about to undergo tooth extraction surgery, it is important to know what to expect afterward and what rules to comply with for quick and hassle-free recovery.
Dos of Tooth Extraction Surgery
First, take a look at some important do’s:
Limit Physical Activity
- It is recommended to limit your physical activity for 24 hours after the extraction. Do not take strenuous exercise that involves excessive movements. Take lots of rest by placing your head high on a pillow.
Let it Clot Naturally
After the tooth is extracted, a gaping hole is left behind like an open wound. This wound should be allowed to clot and heal naturally. To do that, the dentist will give you a piece of gauze to bite on. Biting on the gauze will exert pressure on the site which will stop the flow of blood and enable the extraction site to clot gradually.
- Do not chew on the gauze piece and keep changing it after every 30-45 minutes if it gets soaked with blood very fast.
Use Ice Packs for Fast Healing
It is recommended to apply icepacks on the side of the face where the extraction was performed. This helps in relieving swelling and fast healing of the wound. The cheek starts to swell 2 to 3 days post the surgery. Continuous application of an icepack on the cheek will help minimize the swelling and the pain.
- Apply an icepack for 15 minutes, then take a 15 minutes break and reapply after the break. Continue this process for 1-2 hours.
Don’ts of Tooth Extraction
Now that we have covered the important dos of tooth extraction, let us focus on what you should avoid doing after undergoing surgery.
Cut off The Cigarettes
- Avoid smoking of any type for the first 48 hours post-surgery. The extraction site is an open wound and the harmful chemicals from the smoke can irritate the site. This will delay the healing process and may result in a dry socket.
Don’t Consume Solid Food for A While
Avoid consuming solid foods which have abrasive particles and require extensive chewing. This is because the solid particles can get stuck in the extraction site which can lead to an infection. Also, extensive movement of jaws for chewing is not helpful for the blood clot to form.
- Take liquid food like soups, milkshakes, yogurts, and smoothies for the first 48 hours post-extraction.
Don’t Forget Warm Saline Rinses
Dentists recommend rinsing your mouth with warm saltish water 12 hours after the extraction. This is done to clean the extraction site of any particles as brushing and flossing are not possible. The saline nature of the rinse soothes the site as it has a composition similar to the tissue’s natural fluid.
Don’t Jab At The Extraction Site
- You might be tempted to, but don’t jab at the extraction site with your tongue. The site in the initial days is very sensitive and any poking or pricking can delay the healing time and cause bleeding.
This information has been brought to you by Icon Dental Center. They have offices in Seattle and Everett.