Tooth Extraction Aftercare: Do’s and Don’ts

CLINICAL CONTENT WRITTEN & REVIEWED BY CLOVE CLINICAL TEAM

Last Modified: December 1, 2020

FACT CHECKED

Our natural, permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime; however, there are a number of situations in which one may require tooth extraction. If you have recently got a tooth extracted, then you must definitely take care of do’s and don’ts of aftercare. Taking tooth extraction aftercare can provide you relief from the extreme pain and help you heal properly.

Tooth Extraction

Here are some do’s and don’ts that you must follow to ensure a speedy and safe recovery after you have undergone tooth extraction.

The Do’s

Don’t Eat or Drink Immediately

Dentists advise refraining from eating immediately after tooth extraction. It takes time for the blood clot to form around the extraction site. Hence, it is wise to avoid eating, drinking and talking immediately after surgery. Post 45 minutes, you eat an ice cream without nuts or have cold milk.

If you feel thirsty- never use a straw to drink water. Start with soft bland diet for the first few hours following the surgery.

Use cotton gauge to Stop Bleeding

There is going to be some amount of bleeding, and your dentist will ask you to keep a gauze pad for at least 45 minutes after the extraction is complete. In case the bleeding is a little heavier, it is okay to bite down on the gauze pad. The pressure will help stop the bleeding.

Use ICE Packs

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

While you may feel no pain after a tooth extraction, more often than not, it is due to insensitivity from anaesthesia. Also, you might experience some swelling around the extraction site later.

Swelling and pain may follow after complex extractions. In such cases, an ice pack can help you to not just reduce swelling but also check the pain. You must apply an ice pack to the outside of the mouth for 15-20 minutes.

Brush Gently

Brush your teeth gently and avoid brushing around the extraction. Normally a blood clot forms around the extraction within hours following the extraction. The pressure that you apply while brushing might dislodge the blood clot and cause complications. Hence, brush carefully and as gently as possible to prevent dislodging the blood clot.

The Don’ts

Avoid Smoking

Smoking following a tooth extraction can be an invite to a host of complications. Not only can it weaken the blood, but it can also cause dry sockets to form around the extraction site within just a few days.

Stay Away From Eating Solids

As long as their numbness around the extraction south, stay away from eating food that requires a good amount of bite force. This may cause damage to the blood clot or the extraction site without you even knowing about it. Ideally, dentists say you must eat solids only after 4-5 hours of extraction.

Do Not Take Aspirin

If you feel the swelling is too much and painful as well, contact your dentist. Don’t take painkillers, especially Aspirin, as it can delay blot clot formation around the extraction site.

These are some of the Do’s and Don’ts that you must follow after you have had a tooth extraction. If you have had a tooth extraction recently and worried that your bite force and appearance may not be the same as before, then dental implants are a cost-effective long term solution. When it comes to tooth extraction cost in India, Clove Dental is a name that stands for both quality and affordability. Get the best and most affordable tooth extraction solution at a Clove Dental clinic near you today!