How To Take Care of Your Oral Health After Tooth Extraction

Tooth extraction is quite a common procedure and the methods of extraction have evolved over the period of time. Though the dentist tries to save your natural teeth as much as possible, there can be certain conditions where the extraction becomes imperative. Some such cases are infection or decay in a tooth, gum disease, damage from trauma, and crowded teeth.

How is the Tooth Extraction performed?

A tooth extraction treatment in Villa Rica is performed after a thorough examination and consultation. When you reach the dental clinic for extraction, the dentist will inject you with local anesthesia for numbing the site and preventing the pain. Though you may feel drowsy and relaxed, you would still be aware of what is happening around you.

In the case of a simple extraction, the dentist will use a device known as an elevator for rocking the tooth back and forth so that it can become loose. They will use dental forceps for removing the tooth. In the case of impacted teeth, a surgical extraction may be needed. In that case, the surgeon will make an incision in the gum and bone tissue covering the tooth. Then using the forceps, they will rock the tooth back and forth until it breaks away.

Tooth extraction aftercare

The aftercare post tooth extraction depends on the type of extraction and the location of the tooth extracted. In most cases, you can expect the tooth to heal within 7 to 10 days. It is important to do whatever possible to keep the blood clot in place in the tooth socket.

Here’s a Look at Some Tips for Speeding up the Healing Process:

You must take the painkillers as suggested by the dentist so that you can manage the pain after the tooth extraction procedure.
According to the dentist in Villa Rica, GA, you must leave the initial gauze pad in place for about 3 to 4 hours after the procedure.
You must apply an ice bag to the affected area immediately following the procedure as it will help in getting rid of the swelling. But don’t leave the ice pack for too long as it can lead to tissue damage. You can apply an ice pack for about 10 minutes.
You must rest for 24 hours post the extraction and limit any physical activity that can strain your body.
You must take care that the blood clot doesn’t get dislodged so avoid spitting and using a straw for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution made with half a teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces of warm water.
You must avoid smoking for speeding up the healing process.
When you sleep, you must place your head in the elevated condition as lying flat can delay the healing.
You should continue brushing and flossing your teeth for preventing infection but you must avoid the site of extraction.

What to Eat After Tooth Extraction?

During the healing phase, you must eat only softer food items such as soups, pudding, yogurt, and apple sauce.

How to Manage Pain after Tooth Extraction?

You will feel some discomfort and soreness as well as pain after the procedure. You may also observe some swelling on your face. The dentist will prescribe some painkillers which you must-have for reducing the severity of symptoms. They may also recommend some OTC medications. If at all the discomfort doesn’t subside within 2-3 days after the extraction, you will need to contact the dentist. If your pain worsens suddenly, you must call the dentist immediately for ruling out any signs of infection.

The dentists say that after a healing phase of 2-3 weeks, you will be able to go back to your normal routine and normal diet. Your new bone and gum tissues will grow over the extraction site. But it is to be known that you may observe some shift in your teeth following the extraction due to a missing tooth. However, you can avoid this shift in a tooth with the help of implants, fixed bridges, or dentures. The dentist can suggest you the best option for your condition.