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Do's & Don'ts After Tooth Extraction

During the extraction, your dentist will use specialized instruments to loosen and lift your tooth from its socket. Sometimes, he may have to make an incision in your gums to gain access to the tooth. He may also place a dental bone graft to prevent bone loss in your jaw.

Your dentist may also place stitches to close the gum edge and apply gauze over the extraction site to reduce bleeding and encourage blood clotting. This will also help you reduce the chance of developing a dry socket. Immediately after having a tooth extracted, it is best to limit activity.

Do's

  • Cold treatment. Applying an ice pack to the extraction site may help relieve any discomfort. Avoid leaving the ice pack on the cheek for longer than 10 minutes. If it's too cold, it could damage the tissues. You should also avoid any smoking and alcohol for at least one day.
  • Eat soft food. Eating soft food will help your extraction site prevent infection. Yogurt and applesauce can is recommended to give you nutrients while balancing your balanced diet. After 24 hours, you can start eating solid foods.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. You should also avoid brushing the area. Using toothpaste could potentially dislodge a blood clot, so it's best to use a soft toothbrush.
  • Get plenty of rest. After having a tooth extracted, your body needs time to recuperate. You must rest for at least the first 24 hours, and you must refrain from heavy activities for at least 48 hours.


Don'ts

  • Avoid activities. This means no strenuous activities or eating for at least 24 hours. Going to the gym for example can result in post-extraction bleeding. This is normally a few minutes after extraction.
  • Avoid smoking. Try to avoid alcohol and tobacco products as these may delay your recovery. These may cause you to break a blood clot that may get infected. You should also avoid poking the extraction site, and if you feel anything is off, call your dentist right away.
  • Don't drink using straws. Straw can run the danger to your extraction site by dislodging your blood clot and causing bleeding or dry socket. For at least 48 hours, stay away from straws.
  • Avoid poking the area with your tongue. Keep your tongue away from the extraction area, even though it will feel strange at first. Poking can develop a dry socket which increases disturbs a healing clot.


The extraction site will be covered in gauze. You should apply gentle pressure to the gauze for the first 30 minutes. This will help the blood clot and help you recover. If bleeding does not stop within this time, you should contact your dentist for further advice.


Emergency Tooth Extraction Tulsa

Depending on the type of extraction and where the tooth was extracted, the post-op care of tooth extraction is usually relatively simple. However, it's essential to monitor the healing process. It can take between seven and 10 days for a tooth to fully recover. For the first few days after a tooth extraction, you should use painkillers prescribed by your dentist and leave a gauze pad in the socket for three to four hours.


A few days after a tooth extraction, you should schedule an appointment with a dentist to determine if you have a fever. Fever is a warning sign that you should contact your dentist immediately. The dentist will be able to determine the cause of your pain and design a personalized treatment plan. Here are some article that can also help you; what are dental fractures & types of treatment.