How to After Care For Your Tooth Extraction Procedure

Most tooth extractions are performed with local anesthesia.

Just the thought of getting a tooth removed fills some people with dread; however, most modern tooth-extraction procedures in the United States today can be performed with minimal pain or complications. Simple extractions involve removal of a visible, usually intact tooth; surgical extractions are more involved procedures to remove impacted or broken teeth. Following your dentist's instructions for post-extraction care is an important part of keeping your dental discomfort or any recovery problems to a minimum.

Things You'll Need

• Instructions from dentist
• Clean gauze pads
• Ice packs
• Pain-relief medication
• Warm salt water

Instructions

1. Request complete post-extraction instructions from your dentist before you undergo the procedure so you understand them fully and can ask any questions you may have.

2. Press clean, tightly folded gauze pads into the hole where the tooth was extracted, beginning immediately following the procedure. Change to new gauze pads as needed; keep firm pressure on the extraction site for 30 to 45 minutes. This process helps absorb the blood from the extraction site.

3. Place an ice pack on the outside of your jaw directly over the extraction location to keep swelling down and hasten clotting. The numbing action of the ice may also help limit pain or discomfort.

4. Take an over-the-counter pain medication containing ibuprofen if needed to reduce pain and inflammation. Your dentist or oral surgeon may give you a prescription for a stronger pain-relief medication. According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, this is more common with surgical extractions than simple extractions.

5. Avoid using straws, chewing solid foods, smoking or brushing the affected area for 24 to 48 hours following the extraction procedure. Try to eat only soft foods for the first 24 to 48 hours, and chew only on the side opposite the extraction site.

6. Rinse the extraction site gently with warm salt water (1/2 tsp. of salt in a cup of water) after meals and before bed, beginning 24 hours after the extraction. Continue the salt water rinses for five to seven days.

Tips & Warnings

• SOFT FOODS! Write down a grocery list of all the foods you're able to eat for the next week! Or there are great lists online everywhere, DO YOUR RESEARCH! (Yogurt,Milkshakes,Potatoes,Veggies,Smoothies,Etc.)

• Drink your 24 essential vitamins. You want to make sure you're staying healthy!

• After every meal you should brush your teeth, than ALWAYS rinse! You need to keep that area clean!

• If you had one or more wisdom teeth pulled, if you're not comfortable for dentures, try looking at tooth implants. Check my resources!

• Follow your dentist's instructions exactly to avoid a condition known as "dry socket," in which the extraction site does not effectively clot and begin to heal. This may cause the bone or other sensitive areas in the extraction site to be exposed to air, food or pressure, causing the dry-socket condition, which is very painful. If you suspect you've developed this condition, contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.

References

• Dental Health Site: Tooth Extraction Aftercare and Risks; July 2009
• Consumer Guide to Dentistry: Tooth Extraction: What is Involved With Extraction and What Does it Cost?; Navda Rondon; August 2010
• Dentistry.com: Tooth Extraction Aftercare for All

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish