When you suffer from severe tooth decay or an infection, your dentist might recommend that treatment include dentistry procedures with the potential to be very painful. Patients who have experienced this type of pain before will know that extractions are one of the most excruciating experiences when it comes to dental care. Tooth extractions usually involve a dental procedure where an expert removes the tooth from its socket and roots in order to prevent it from spreading further. It is common for people to feel afraid at the thought of having their teeth removed, but rest assured that aftercare can help you get back on track faster. The primary goal of any aftercare plan is to reduce your risk of infection and speed up healing afterwards. This article explains what you need to know about tooth extractions aftercare so that you can recover smoothly and quickly.
What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction
Although people react to tooth extractions differently, it is common for patients to experience some discomfort during the first 48 hours. People who have had their molars removed, for example, often experience throbbing sensations. These can be eased with the help of painkillers, but this is something that you should discuss with your dentist. The mouth will also be very swollen and full of blood during this time period, so you have to avoid food and water completely for a short period of time.
The healing process will also be slightly different for each patient. It is important to be patient and understand that this is a very aggressive and difficult type of procedure, so it is normal if healing takes a little longer than usual. If you want to speed up the recovery process, you can use the following aftercare tips.
Finding the Right Dental Care Aftercare Plan
Although there are various types of tooth extractions, they all follow the same aftercare plan. First of all, you must avoid all food and water for at least 12 hours. Afterwards, you can put a saltwater solution in your mouth to prevent infection and swelling. It is also important to bite down on gauze pads soaked in this solution until the bleeding stops.
You can also use a warm compress to ease the pain and a cold pack to reduce swelling. Be careful not to use a hot compress as this can increase your bleeding. To make your recovery even smoother, you can use the following tips.
Things You Will Need
- Saltwater solution – This homemade solution is a natural antibacterial agent that can reduce your risk of infection. Plus, it is very easy to make and can be applied through a sponge.
- Gauze pads – They are the most effective when it comes to stopping bleeding, reducing swelling, and easing pain.
- Ice pack – It can be used to reduce swelling and bruising in one of your cheeks.
- Medical grade mouthwash – It has antiseptic properties that can prevent infection.
- Medical grade toothpaste – It has the same antiseptic properties as the mouthwash and can reduce swelling.
- Painkillers – They are very helpful when you experience throbbing sensations in your cheek.
- Soft and bland diet – It is recommended after a tooth extraction.
- Vitamin B12 – It can help you recover faster and can be found in some foods, such as fish, meat, eggs, and milk.
Hot Compress and Cold Pack Combo
After a tooth extraction, you will experience swelling, pain, and bleeding, which can be eased with the help of a hot compress and a cold pack. The first step would be to soak a clean washcloth in warm water, squeeze out the excess water, and place it on your face. The warm compress can be used to reduce swelling and ease pain.
Next, you can apply an ice pack to a clean cloth and place it on your cheek. The ice pack can reduce swelling and bruising, which will allow you to recover faster. You can also put an ice pack directly on your face, but you should never apply it directly to your skin.
Food and Drinks to Boost Your Recovery
You can boost your recovery by making sure that you eat the right foods and drinks. Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, for example, can help you recover faster because they curb the swelling.
The protein in meat and fish can help you heal faster because they are broken down in your body more slowly than carbohydrates. Milk and cheese are also rich in protein, which is why they make a good recovery food. Carbohydrates, on the other hand, are quickly broken down in the body, which is why they are not recommended for people recovering from tooth extractions.
Water is an important part of any diet, but it can interfere with healing if you don’t have it at the right time. It is recommended that you drink water after the bleeding has stopped and the swelling has decreased. Coffee and tea are also recommended as they can help reduce post-operative pain.
Bottom Line
There is no doubt that tooth extractions can be challenging, but with the right aftercare plan, you can recover quickly. It is important to make sure that you eat the right foods, drink the right beverages, and follow the recommended aftercare tips to speed up the recovery process. In no time, you will be back to your everyday activities.
References:
1-How important are dental procedures as a cause of infective endocarditis?
Received 27 April 1984, Revised 19 June 1984, Accepted 20 June 1984, Available online 30 November 2005.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9149(84)80211-8
