Teeth extractions are performed by a dentist or oral surgeon and are fairly quick inpatient procedures with anesthesia. Often, extractions are performed for wisdom teeth, diseased teeth, and teeth that need to be removed for dental implants placement.
Getting a tooth pulled? Don’t worry. Follow your dentist’s instructions or go by the guidelines below to prepare you for what to do after a tooth extraction.
What do you do after you get your tooth pulled?
- Get rest
- Give your mouth time to heal
- Apply ice packs wrapped in washcloths
- Take your prescribed medicines
- Don’t smoke
- Don’t eat solid foods
- Don’t use toothpicks
DO get rest
Don’t exercise. When laying down keep your head straight, in an upright position.
DO give it time
Give the area time to clot. Keep it covered with the clothes given to you by the dentist. Make sure to change it regularly.
DO apply ice packs
Apply it on the outside of your face inside of a face cloth. Swelling is not expected.
DON’T smoke
Don’t smoke for 2 full days after surgery. The chemicals are bad for wounds, and the smoke will over-dry the area.
DON’T eat solids right away
Once you have full senses back in your jaw, you may begin to eat. After dental removal, take soft and liquid meals such as soups, crushed potatoes, yogurts, milkshakes, drinks, etc.
DON’T forget to take medicine
If antibiotics are provided they must be taken routinely. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications are to be taken after dental removal. It helps in minimizing the pain and swelling.
DON’T take aspirin
Asprin behaves like a blood thinner that will hold off in clot formation, therefore, will prevent recovery.
DON’T use toothpicks
Though for an initial couple of days, it will feel a bit uncomfortable to have a gap but don’t stick that spot with any kind of toothpick or tongue as it may delay recovery, may cause bleeding, and can also result in a dry socket.
Many of dentists’ duties are ensuring that their patients who’ve had teeth removed are well-ready for recovery from their dental surgery. Along with following the above do’s and don’ts, doctors may also prepare specific postoperative guidelines according to the specific situation. Contact your Colorado Springs DDS if you have any questions about proper care after teeth extraction, or if you are experiencing severe pain.
