There are many reasons that you might need to have a tooth extraction done. A tooth that is too badly damaged to be repaired by a crown or bridge might need to be removed entirely, gum disease may have weakened your tooth’s support system, or overcrowding in your mouth could be causing you constant discomfort. No matter what the reason is for your tooth extraction, one of the most important things to know is how to properly care for the site of the extracted tooth after the fact. Neglecting the area could lead to infection and more pain, so follow this advice from your Annapolis dentist to keep your mouth healthy!
Recovering from a Tooth Extraction
Your typical tooth extraction is not considered a major surgery, and so the recovery time is generally limited to a few days, though it may take a little long before your mouth feels 100 percent back-to-normal. To help with your recovery process, make sure to take the pain medication that your dentist prescribes; it will help relieve pain at the site of the extraction and soothe inflammation. You can also apply a cold compress or an ice pack to the side of your face (but not on the tooth directly!) to reduce pain and swelling.
The first 24 hours after your extraction, you may experience some bleeding; you can bite down (gently!) on a cotton gauze pad to absorb the blood, changing them as frequently as needed to keep them fresh. Once 24 hours have passed, you can clean out your mouth by gently rinsing with a salt water mixture. Make sure the water is warm and that you swish it gently so as not to pull out your stitches.
Stick to a diet of easy-to-eat foods after a tooth extraction. This means avoiding crunchy, chewy, or sticky substances and opting instead for soups, puddings, or yogurts. Biting down on something hard could irritate the area or cause you to bleed more, so only switch back to solid foods once you have started to heal more fully.
Just because you’ve had a tooth extraction does not mean you can neglect your oral hygiene! Stick to your brushing routine; just be sure to be gentle, especially around the site of the extracted tooth.
If you want to learn more about Tooth Extraction from your Annapolis Dentist or if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact Annapolis Family Dental Care by calling (410) 267-0766 or visit AnnapolisDentalCare.com today! Our diligent knowledge of all dental treatments and extensive experience in all fields of dentistry, ensure Annapolis Dental is best suited to care for your oral health. You can also follow Annapolis Dental Care on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.