When you go in for a dental extraction, your dentist will give you specific instructions on what to do and not do after the procedure. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing. In this article, we’ll discuss the do’s and don’ts of post-extraction dental care.
What To Expect After A Dental Extraction
Once the extraction is complete, you will be given specific instructions on what to do for the next few days. Typically, you will need to avoid:
-Rinsing your mouth with water for the first 24 hours
-Sucking on anything through a straw for the first week
-Smoking for at least 48 hours
-Drinking alcohol for at least 48 hours
-Eating anything crunchy or chewy for the first week
Pain Management After a Dental Extraction
Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to take care of your mouth after the extraction. Typically, you will be told to avoid doing the following:
• Rinsing your mouth with soap or water. This can cause more pain and swelling.
• Drinking through a straw. This can cause liquid to get into the wound and delay healing.
• Eating hard food. This can cause the blood clot to dislodge and delay healing.
• Brushing your teeth. This can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
How Long Should I Take Off Work After A Tooth Extraction?
You should take a minimum of three days off work. We understand that this may not be feasible for everyone, so you must work something out with your dentist to come up with a care plan that is best suited to your needs. It is important that you adhere to this plan so that you can properly heal and minimize the risk of infection. Remember to avoid strenuous activity, smoking, and alcohol. You should also avoid eating anything crunchy or chewy.
Things You Should Not Do After An Extraction
Now that we’ve gone over what you should do after an extraction, let’s talk about what you shouldn’t do. First things first, you shouldn’t smoke. Smoking delays healing and can cause complications, like a dry socket. A dry socket is when the blood clot that forms in the extraction site dislodges, exposing the bone. Not only is this incredibly painful, but it can also lead to infection. You also shouldn’t drink from a straw, as suction can cause the blood clot to dislodge. And while we’re on the topic of drinks, you should avoid caffeinated beverages as they can cause further bleeding and delay healing. Alcohol is also a no-go after an extraction as it can lead to dehydration. Finally, you shouldn’t chew hard foods on the side of your mouth where the extraction took place. Eating soft foods for a few days will give your extraction site time to heal properly.
Can I Drink Water After Tooth Extraction?
It’s totally fine to drink water after you get your tooth extracted. In fact, it’s encouraged! Staying hydrated is key to helping your body heal. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, try to avoid drinking from a straw for the first 24 hours. This suction can dislodge the blood clot that’s forming in the extraction site and cause bleeding. Second, don’t drink alcohol for at least 48 hours after the procedure. Alcohol can thin your blood and increase bleeding. Other than that, drink up! Just be sure to brush your teeth gently and avoid the extraction site when you do.
How Long After Tooth Extraction Can I Eat On That Side?
You’re finally able to eat on that side of your mouth again! But you can’t just go back to your old eating habits. Here are some things to keep in mind when you start eating solid foods again:
- Start with soft foods. Think soup, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, etc. You can gradually add in more substantial foods as your mouth heals.
- Cut your food into small pieces. This will help reduce the amount of chewing you have to do and make it easier on your incision site.
- Avoid hot foods and drinks. Stick to things that are lukewarm or cool—think smoothies, yogurt, etc.—as hot temperatures can irritate your extraction site.
How To Promote Healing And Avoid Infection
You might be wondering what you can do to promote healing and avoid infection. Well, here are a few things you can do:
- avoid using a straw
- don’t drink hot drinks for the first 24 hours
- don’t smoke
- eat soft foods
- take painkillers as needed
- brush your teeth gently
And here are a few things you should not do:
- drink alcohol for at least 24 hours
- brush your teeth vigorously
- spit hard
When To See The Dentist For Post-Extraction Care
You might be wondering how long you have to wait before you can see the dentist for post-extraction care. And the answer is, it depends on the type of extraction you had. If you had a simple extraction, which is when the dentist removes a tooth that can be seen in the mouth, then you can usually see the dentist within a week. But if you had a surgical extraction, which is when the dentist removes a tooth that can’t be seen in the mouth, then you might have to wait a little longer—up to two weeks. And if you’re still not sure, it’s always best to give your dentist a call and ask. They’ll be able to give you specific instructions based on your individual situation.
Conclusion
So, now that you know what you can and can’t do after your dental extraction, it’s important to follow your doctor’s orders closely. Not following post-operative instructions could delay your healing process, so be sure to take care of yourself and give your body the time it needs to heal properly. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist or doctor.
