Tooth Extraction Post-care

Had a tooth extraction recently or going for one? It isn’t so painful as it seems. While you are losing a tooth, it is imperative to know that with little care you can take care of the other healthy ones.

Your dentist will take the utmost care while tooth extraction, but post-procedure, some easy instructions can help you with a painless and easy recovery.

It is quite normal to experience minor bleeding, pain, swelling and discomfort for the next one to two days post-extraction, but it gradually subsides in one to five days. So for proper healing of the extraction wound and to maintain good oral health, it is a must to diligently follow post-operative instructions.

Here are the most important instructions one must follow post-extraction :

Regular cleaning and monitoring of teeth will help avoid any plaque formation, keeping your pearly whites clean and shining.

• Following extraction, your dentist will keep cotton or gauze at the extraction site. Ensure you keep the cotton or gauze piece pressed tightly in between the teeth for the first thirty minutes to one hour.
• Immediately after reaching home, apply ice from outside, near the operated area. You can continue to apply ice for the next 2 days. This would reduce the swelling and pain.
• After removing the cotton gauze have cold fluids like fruit juices (without straw) or ice cream (without nuts or cone).
• Remember, do not spit, gargle or rinse for the next 24 hours.
• Avoid disturbing the extraction site with your tongue.
• Brush your teeth gently avoiding the extraction site for the next one-two weeks.
• Avoid smoking or tobacco use for the next three to five days post the extraction procedure.
• It is recommended to gargle with lukewarm saline after 24 hours provided there is no excessive bleeding.
• Continue to gargle with warm salt water three to four times a day for five days.
• In case an upper tooth is removed, avoid sneezing (or sneeze with your mouth open) or blowing to prevent any damage to the sinus.
• Take your medicines as per the doctor’s prescription one hour after the procedure.
• The patient is instructed for a follow-up one-week post-extraction.

You might need to stick to a certain simple diet post-extraction, that would help with faster healing. It is important to consume cold, soft and non-spicy food e.g. khichdi, upma, sheera or curd rice. One can also have fruit juices but without straws. It is mandatory to have a soft diet for the next few days.

What other measures have to be taken by the patient?

It is normal to experience bleeding in the spit the morning after the extraction procedure. Do not panic. Just drink cold water. Avoid any major physical activity. Sleep in a semi-supine position (with two pillows below the head) and take rest.

What conditions can be considered as an emergency?

• If there is a presence of increased swelling or bruising.
• Severe pain which is not relieved by medication.
• Side effects of any medicines like nausea, vomiting, rashes etc.

In case any of the above-mentioned emergencies occur, contact your dentist immediately.

Look out for a dental clinic around your vicinity for a regular and total oral care. We are one of the best Dental Clinics in Navi Mumbai, and bring total dental care under one roof.