Do you suffer from discomfort in your teeth? It may be time for a Tooth Extraction. Having your teeth taken out from those dreaded dental forceps and elevators can be an uncomfortable and slightly scary experience, but it may be required for a variety of reasons, your tooth is infected or damaged, you have wisdom teeth that need removing or your teeth need to space out due to overcrowding. But in the long-run, you will find it may be the smartest decision to make. Rest assured, dentists always ensure the process of tooth extraction is as smooth and as comfortable as possible.
The way you care for your teeth after an extraction is pivotal for a fast and unaffected recovery. You must follow any aftercare instructions that your dentists provide for proper healing and to avoid complications.
To get you prepared, we have identified 4 key Do’s and Don’ts after Tooth Extraction. If you follow these remedies, along with dentist instructions, the pain will disappear in no time.
What You Should Do
- Adequate Rest – The obvious Do. After Tooth Extraction treatment, it is recommended that you rest 24-48 hours and avoid any strenuous activity. The body needs rest for a swift recovery.
- Avoid solid foods – After surgery, your mouth will be sensitive and will, therefore, be sensitive to hard foods. Soup, Yoghurt, Eggs, Potato and Dairy products are suitable choices to incorporate into your diet for at least 3 to 4 days.
- Use frozen packs such as Ice – Frozen products like ice should be compressed to your mouth to relieve any swelling. Continue this as a home remedy for 10 minutes at a time.
- Let the clot form – The clot needs to form in order for the wound to heal. Oral Surgeons may prescribe gauze pads to assist. As soon as blood forms on the pad, replace it with a new one.
What You Shouldn’t Do
- Eat Solid Foods – As the wound begins to heal, the last thing you need is for the wound to open up again. Eating solid foods will do just that. Foods such as Hard Nuts, Chewy Treats, Sugary Treats or Meat should not be consumed after extraction treatment.
- Smoke, Drink Alcohol or Take Tobacco Products – Your healing will be much slower if you continue to consume these products.
- Initially avoid brushing and flossing – The affected extraction area should be avoided for at least the 24 hours after the procedure. As you begin to brush and floss around the area, do it softly with a bristle-brush ideally.
- Not Spitting or Saliva or Blood – If either of these forms, it is recommended that this is kept inside the mount.
Final Thoughts
Tooth Extraction pain is normal after the procedure, however, if pain continues after 2 or 3 days, contact your dentist immediately. Dentists will use local anaesthetic to limit the amount of pain throughout the procedure.to make it as comfortable as possible. If, however, you suffer symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting or chest pain, seek immediate assistance for these abnormalities. After your mouth fully heals, you can return to your normal dental routine.
Dr. Johnson Tang, a dentist in Ashfield, earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Adelaide. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, he is known for his gentle, patient-centered approach. Dr. Johnson Tang continues to expand his expertise through courses in implant dentistry and orthodontics to offer comprehensive care.
