Tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves removing a tooth from its alveolus socket or gum tissues by a dentist near you. A tooth or several teeth may be extracted due to gum disease, tooth decay, dental trauma, or orthodontic concerns.
Simple tooth extraction in Scottsdale is performed for teeth whose crown is visible over the gum line. On the other hand, a surgical extraction is performed when removing a molar or an impacted tooth. These procedures are performed after the administration of a suitable anesthetic for a pain-free and comfortable experience.
After an extraction, the dentist will give you instructions on taking care of the gum on the extracted site for the next 7-10 days as healing takes place. Following post-extraction instructions is vital as the incidence of infection and the dry socket is reduced. You also avoid the risk of complications which can delay the healing of the tooth socket.
Tips to Speed up Healing after Tooth Extraction
You will experience some common symptoms and discomforts after tooth extraction near you. Here are some tips to help with swelling, bleeding, and avoiding infections for a speedy recovery.
- To stop bleeding from the site and promote clotting, you should bite on a gauze pad that exerts pressure on the area for 3-4 hours. The dentist in Scottsdale impregnates the gauze with an anti-fibrinolytic substance that improves blood clotting and promotes healing.
- Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel or a cold compress to the cheek closest to the site to control inflammation and pain. Use as soon as possible after the extraction for periods of 10 minutes.
- Follow the feeding guidelines provided by your dental team. Do not chew until the anesthetic numbness wears off your gum, cheeks, and tongue to avoid biting them. Avoid drinks or foods that are too hot or spicy or that require you to chew excessively. For a week after your extraction, consume soft foods and with adequate nutrients that promote recovery.
- Take the prescribed antibiotics and painkillers to prevent infections, reduce swelling and ease any pain. Avoid taking Aspirin since it is a blood thinner and will delay clot formation and prevent healing. If the pain does not ease two days after extraction and bleeding starts, contact your dentist.
- Prop your head up with pillows when sleeping to discourage bleeding and accelerate healing.
- Do not dislodge the blood clot using a finger, your tongue, or your toothpick. In the 24 hours following the procedure, avoid using a straw, rinsing your mouth, or spitting forcefully. Dislodging the clot may cause a painful condition called a dry socket and delay healing.
- Rest for 24 hours after the procedure and limit your activities on the days before healing.
- If you experience nausea and vomiting, do not eat or drink anything until at least an hour after tooth removal. Only then can you sip slowly on ginger ale or tea to minimize nausea.
- After surgical extraction, the stitches will be removed a week after surgery. If they become dislodged before then, discard them and maintain oral hygiene.
- Maintain extreme dental hygiene to avoid infection and facilitate faster and efficient healing. Use a post-surgical toothbrush or a brush with soft bristles to maintain oral hygiene while avoiding the extraction site.
- Use warm saline rinses to rinse your mouth and remove any food debris and bacteria. Mix a half-teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water and use it to rinse out your mouth 12 hours after the procedure. Continue every day for a week after meals.
- Do not smoke until three days after the procedure as smoking may introduce bacteria in your mouth, affect the clot leading to dry socket condition, and inhibit healing.
Signs of an Emergency after Tooth Extraction
Seek urgent medical care from the dentist near you or the dental team at Landmark Smiles if you experience any of the symptoms below after a tooth extraction procedure. Be on the lookout for these symptoms that indicate an infection:
- Fever
- Worsened or uncontrolled bleeding
- Intense throbbing pain that does not respond to pain-relieving medication
- A bad taste or drainage from the extraction site
- Swelling that does not improve or gets worse
- Numbness or tingling in the mouth
- Continuing symptoms 7-10 days after the extraction