Undergoing a tooth extraction can be stressful. Dentists do everything they can to save natural teeth, but sometimes, removing the tooth is the way to restore oral health and prevent complications. After the procedure, the dentist will provide instructions regarding aftercare to ensure quick and proper healing.
After tooth extraction, patients do not exactly need to be bedridden, but what they want to avoid is overexerting the extraction area. It is important to take it easy, especially in the first 24 hours. This means avoiding any unnecessary bending and stooping and staying off exercises.
Whenever possible, the head should be held in an upright position, including when sleeping as this helps to aid quick recovery. The more intensive the procedure is, the longer the resting period should be. Resting gives the body a chance to heal properly, so patients must take advantage of that.
The dentist will send the patient home after tooth extraction with gauze to cover the surgery site. They will need to bite on the gauze and hold it in place until a clot form in the area for healing. The gauze will need to replaced every three to four hours until the bleeding stops.
Any strenuous activity or exercise might break the clot and open the wound again. Although exercising is good for the body and the health, it is necessary to take a break from that routine during the healing process. Resuming exercising prematurely can increase pain and bleeding. It may have a reverse consequence and disrupt healing. It may cause dry sock, a condition in which the blood clot dislodges, exposing the nerves and bone to bacteria and food particles, causing an infection.
After a full day of rest, patients can resume with low impact activities. Stretching, yoga or lifting light weights are good ways to start. If pressure or pain occurs, it is advisable to stop quickly. Pain is the body’s way of showing that healing is not complete yet. Avoid pushing too hard. After about five days, patients can lift heavier weights, but they must avoid clenching their teeth.
After the blood clot has formed, the following simple precautions can help keep it intact and prevent other issues during the healing process:
After about two weeks, patients need usually need to revisit the dentist for a checkup. At the appointment, they will check the tooth extraction area to ensure healing is progressing correctly. Healing is different for each patient, so be sure to follow the recommendations of the dental professional. Rest adequately and treat the mouth gently.
Request an appointment here: http://www.jaredsmithdmd.com or call Jared M. Smith DMD at (719) 298-4214 for an appointment in our Canon City office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in Canon City, CO.
You may be wondering if you need to get a tooth extraction, or you may be feeling apprehensive about it. Luckily, tooth extraction is a safe procedure. Often, it is imperative to remove the tooth as quickly as possible. However, as long as the damaged tooth is promptly removed, the adverse effects are mitigated. We…
If you need a tooth extraction, you probably wonder if your regular dentist can perform the extraction or if the procedure will need to be done by an oral surgeon. The answer to this question depends on several factors and should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Read on to understand the different factors that…
The patient does not feel any discomfort during wisdom tooth extraction, but there is a recovery period after treatment. It is important to follow proper aftercare instructions to reduce the risk of an oral infection, recover faster and keep pain, swelling and bleeding to a minimal level. After wisdom tooth extraction, patients should follow all…
If you have a missing tooth, you may feel a lot of embarrassment. It is possible that you wish to avoid smiling or even being around other people. There can be health effects of missing a tooth too. It is difficult to eat when you have lost a tooth. You do not have to live…