Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is a simple medical procedure which deals with the removal of a tooth. Regardless of whether you have just had your wisdom teeth removed or been through some other type of tooth extraction procedure it is vital that you take care of your mouth after the tooth extraction has taken place. Therefore here are some easy steps to follow to ensure that you heal properly and quickly after the tooth extraction.
Immediately after the tooth extraction your mouth will continue to remain numb for the next few hours due to the anesthesia that has been used. Therefore take care not to accidently bite your tongue, cheeks or lips. Once the numbness subsides you need to make sure you take your pain medication on time. To avoid any pain after the tooth extraction surgery, do not lapse on your pain medication. By ensuring that you take it on time you will be able to stay ahead of the pain. If your dentist has also prescribed any antibiotics ensure that you take them as this will fight any infection that forms. Get plenty of rest after your tooth extraction as this will ensure that you heal faster.
After the tooth extraction surgery a blood clot forms in the tooth socket. Treat this with care. Try to avoid smoking, drinking through a straw or even rinsing your mouth vigorously for at least a day or two after the tooth extraction. Brush the surrounding teeth gently and take care not to disturb the blood clot.
To ensure that the clot does not get infected gently rinse your mouth with salt water. After tooth extraction surgery you will have to be extremely careful of any infections until it has properly healed. To 8 oz water add half a teaspoon of salt. It is vital, after tooth extraction surgery, to ensure that food particles do not get trapped in the blood clot as this will definitely lead to an infection.
After the tooth extractions avoid alcohol ad spicy foods until you are fully healed. Consume cold nutritious drinks as this will also help with the swelling. Avoid any foods that are difficult to chew and stick to soft foods that are easy to chew and that won’t disturb the extraction area too much. If possible try and chew your food in the opposite side of the mouth, avoid the side of the tooth extraction. Complete healing usually takes around two weeks and with proper care you should be back to normal in no time.