Although tooth extraction is usually only recommended as a last resort, sometimes it is necessary. Whatever the reason you need to get a tooth pulled, it’s important to practice proper aftercare. When you are faced with the likelihood of teeth extractions, your Calgary, AB dental clinic Avenida Dental Centre will tell you that proper aftercare can keep your pain to a minimum and lower your risk of infection.
Follow these tips so you can return to your normal routine sooner rather than later!
Tips for Healing After Teeth Extractions
#1—Keep Pressure on the Site
After the procedure, your doctor placed a gauze pad at the site. Keep pressure on that gauze pad by gently biting down for an hour or so, repeating as needed—until the bleeding stops. Change to a fresh pad as needed.
#2—Keep Your Head Elevated
You should rest after your procedure, but don’t lie down flat. You should keep your head elevated.
#3—Rinse Your Mouth 48 Hours After Surgery
Once you have reached the 48-hour mark, you can start rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater every hour or two. Avoid mouthwash as the alcohol in it will irritate the extraction site.
#4—Keep the Site Clean
Brush around the site but avoid touching the sutures directly.
#5—Use Ice Packs to Control Swelling
If your face is swollen, you can use ice packs applied directly to your face near the extraction site to help reduce swelling.
#6—Eat Soft Foods
Until the site starts to heal, you should limit your diet to soft foods, such as yogurt, that are easy to eat. Make sure you are getting enough protein.
#7—Refrain From Smoking
The sucking motion of smoking will increase your risk of getting dry socket, so avoid this in the three or four days following your procedure. (For this same reason, you should avoid using straws as well.)
Call Avenida Dental Centre for More Information
If you have a problematic tooth you think might need to be pulled, call us today. We can talk to you about teeth extractions in Calgary, AB, and recommend the best course of treatment.