Tooth removal aftercare| Precaution after tooth extraction

Question:

What are the precautions to take after tooth extraction?

Dr Abi Platinum Dental & Multispecialty Clinic | Dental clinic in Vaishali | Dentist in Vaishali — Tooth EXtraction

Tooth extraction is a dental procedure in which a tooth is permanently removed from the jawbone and socket.

This procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia to minimize pain and discomfort for the patient.

Simple extractions

Teeth that are visible and can be easily accessed come under simple extractions. The dentist uses forceps to gently move the tooth back and forth until it is loose enough to be removed.

Surgical extractions

Extractions that are more complicated and are performed on teeth that cannot be easily accessed, such as impacted wisdom teeth.

The dentist or oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth and may need to remove bone around the tooth to extract it.

Tooth REMOVAL AfterCare

Tooth Removal AfterCare Immediately after extraction for 24 hours

The next 24 hrs are extremely important because your activity will decide whether your healing will take place on time or not and whether your healing clot will stay or get removed.

1. Keep pressing the cotton ball for an hour.

2. After an hour, remove the cotton ball and have a cup of vanilla/ chocolate ice cream, not butterscotch, only a cup and not a stick of ice cream.

3. For the next 24 hours No spitting. Take saliva inside. NO SPITTING. (Most important tooth removal aftercare routine)

4. Take soft, cold food and water only.

5. Apply Icepack.

6. Do not brush. No Toothbrushing.

7. Do not drink anything from a straw, if you want to drink coconut water, take it in a glass and then drink.

8. No fizz drinks.

9. No Hot food or water items.

10. Do not wrap a cloth around your face.

11. Do not sleep on that side.

12. Do not place a blanket or bedsheet on your face.

13. No Smoking, Alcohol, Tobacco chewing.

14. Take medication as prescribed.

15. Do not try and use your tongue and finger to touch the extracted socket.

16. Stop talking for an hour and speak less for the next 24 hours.

17. Take a rest and also you can continue your daily activity.

18. Do not take stress or tension.

Anything you do wrong in the immediate next 24 hours, your healing clot will get dislodged, chances are that there will be an infection and result in a DRY SOCKET.

Dry Socket

Dry socket is an alveolar osteitis which is a painful condition that can occur after tooth extraction.

It happens when the blood clot that normally forms in the socket where the tooth was removed either fails to form or becomes dislodged before the socket has had a chance to heal.

This can leave the bone and nerve endings in the socket exposed, causing intense pain and discomfort.

Symptoms include severe pain, bad breath, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and visible bone in the socket.

Treatment may include over-the-counter pain relievers, prescription pain medication, and an antimicrobial mouthwash to prevent infection. The dentist may irrigate and place a medicated dressing in the socket to promote healing and reduce pain.

tooth extraction after-care AFTER 24 HRS

1. All the normal activities can be started.

2. Start warm saline rinses i.e add a pinch of salt in half glass of warm water and do rinses at least 4–5 times a day.

3. Take medication as prescribed. Don’t try and outplay the dentist by thinking now you are not having pain so why should one take anti-inflammatory and antibiotics medication.

4. No Smoking, Alcohol, or Tobacco chewing at least for 7–14 days.

5. Do not try to use your finger and tongue to touch the extracted socket.

6. After having food, do rinse your mouth with a warm saline rinse or you can also do betadine rinses in a 1:3 ratio.

What if pain after 3-4 days of tooth extraction

If you feel you have pain after 3–5 days after tooth extraction, then surely it is a Dry Socket and for that, you need to visit the dentist. The Dentist will Irrigate and put medication in the socket. You will need to keep visiting 3–4 times to change the dressings.

It is important to remember that the aftercare instructions may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the tooth extraction, so it is always best to follow the instructions provided by your dentist or oral surgeon.

Frequently asked questions

1. How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?

Recovery time after tooth extraction varies, but usually takes a few days to a week.

2. How soon can I eat solid foods after a tooth extraction?

You should stick to soft foods for the first few days after tooth extraction and gradually add solid foods as healing progresses.

3. How should I clean my mouth after a tooth extraction?

Immediately after extraction no rinsing, no spitting. After 24 hours you can rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water a few times a day to keep the extraction site clean.

4. Can I brush my teeth after a tooth extraction?

After 24 hrs, you can brush your teeth gently, avoiding the extraction site, for the first few days after the procedure.

5. When can I start exercising or playing sports after a tooth extraction?

You should avoid strenuous exercise or sports for the first few days after tooth extraction to allow for proper healing.

6. How can I manage pain and swelling after a tooth extraction?

Over-the-counter pain medication and applying an ice pack can help manage pain and swelling after tooth extraction.

7. When can I smoke or use tobacco after a tooth extraction?

You should avoid smoking or using tobacco for at least 24 hours after tooth extraction.

And following 1-2 weeks to promote faster healing.

8. How can I prevent infection after a tooth extraction?

To prevent infection after tooth extraction, follow the instructions provided by your dentist and avoid touching the extraction site.

9. What should I do if bleeding occurs after a tooth extraction?

If bleeding occurs after tooth extraction, place a clean piece of gauze over the extraction site and bite down gently for 30-60 minutes. And visit the dentist soon.

10. When can I return to work or school after a tooth extraction?

You can usually return to work or school after a day or two of rest following tooth extraction.

11. How long will it take for the hole to close up after a tooth extraction?

The hole left by the extracted tooth will gradually fill in with new tissue over a period of a few weeks.

12. Is it normal to have a slight fever after a tooth extraction?

It is not uncommon to have a low-grade fever for a day or two after tooth extraction.

13. When can I drink alcohol after a tooth extraction?

It is best to avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours after tooth extraction, and not to drink in for the next few days.

14. Can I drive myself home after a tooth extraction?

It is recommended to have someone drive you home after tooth extraction, as the effects of anesthesia can make it unsafe to drive.

Author-

Dr. Abi Negi

Dentist

10 + years of experience

Certification in Practical Implantology

Certification in Rotary Endodontics

Associate Fellowship in Laser Dentistry Certification in Laser Treatments Diploma in Practical Occlusion and Restorative Dentistry Course Advanced occlusion appliance therapy, TMD Comprehensive Course in Veneers - Ceramic & Composite Aesthetic Certified - Europe, Germany WHO Health Program Certified Certification in Laser Dentistry Fellow of the Academy of General Education (FAGE) Member of the Indian Dental Association (IDA)