Having a tooth removed is not a fun undertaking, even in the best circumstances. However, as uncomfortable as it may be, sometimes it is necessary. Having a tooth that needs to come out and doesn’t can cause a deterioration in your oral health and your overall health, too. Likewise, a tooth extraction that is not properly cared for can also create unhealthy conditions that can lead to an extended and uncomfortable recovery period.
So, how do you avoid it?
Eating and Chewing
Tooth extractions and anesthesia go together. You may have had experiences with anesthesia before, but for those who haven’t, it is quite a strange, numbing sensation on your lips and tongue and you can’t feel your mouth. This is why it’s recommended that you avoid chewing for at least two hours after the extraction.
Pain Management After the Extraction
You will feel some discomfort after the anesthesia wears off. To reduce any pain you may feel, an over-the-counter medication, such as Ibuprofen, is recommended. If that doesn’t help as expected, your dentist may prescribe a stronger pain reliever. Avoid nausea by taking medications on a full stomach.
Sometimes, antibiotics are prescribed to help your body fight off infection. Make sure these are taken as directed.
Let Them Eat…Yogurt.
Your extraction will be tender for a few days. It’s best to stick to foods that are soft, like yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, gelatin, oatmeal or creamy soups. Keeping up with your nutrition is necessary for the healing process, so make sure you are consuming healthy calories.
Avoid Dry Socket
Your tooth extraction will leave a hole in your gums, which can leave you vulnerable to infections. Your body will heal the space with a blood clot. Any kind of vacuum action, like smoking or drinking out of a straw, can cause that blood clot to dislodge and delay healing. You can brush and floss your other teeth, but gently swirl a saltwater solution around the extraction site and spit carefully to remove any food particles that may get stuck there.
Now that you’ve got a little more information to help you navigate the process, visit the professionals at Dynamic Dental Solutions. We are a patient-centered practice, dedicated to giving you the best experience possible. We have the technology you need and the skills necessary to make you smile again! You can schedule an appointment online or call us at 281-837-9090.