Even though tooth extraction is usually the last resort, there are many reasons why it might be necessary. It could be because a tooth is stuck and putting pressure on healthy teeth next to it. Another possibility is that the tooth is sick and needs to be removed. Or, if there aren’t enough spaces in the mouth, teeth are pulled out to make more room for a healthy smile.
No matter why you need to get a tooth pulled, it’s essential to know that there are things you should and shouldn’t do after tooth extraction. So, let’s jump right in and take a closer look.
What To Do On the First Night After Tooth Extraction?
Rest And Get Better
Okay, so you don’t have to stay in bed after getting a tooth extracted, but you don’t want to push the area too hard, especially in the first 24 hours. With this in mind, try not to bend or stoop unnecessarily, and don’t do any exercise. Try to keep your head up as much as possible, including when you sleep at night. This will help you get better faster. Please take advantage of the fact that rest gives your body the tools to quickly get you back to normal.
Let The Area Where The Tooth Was Extracted Heal
When a tooth is pulled, you are usually told to bite down on a piece of gauze for 30 minutes to an hour. This is done to form a blood clot where the tooth is pulled. This is normal and a normal part of getting better. The clot protects the site by acting as a barrier, so it needs to be given time to form. If it isn’t given time to grow, the bone and nerves underneath could be exposed to air, food, or liquids, leading to an infection. If you’re bleeding a lot, you might want to change the gauze, but the most important thing is to do what the dentist says.
Take In Lots Of Water
After an hour or so, when the blood clot has formed, drinking a lot of water is essential to keep yourself hydrated. Be careful not to move it around too much in your mouth, and don’t drink through a straw. Any sucking motion will disturb the newly formed blood clot. You can also make a light saline solution by mixing a little bit of water and salt. Then, gently move this over the area, but don’t spit on it. Instead, let any water from your mouth naturally fall into the sink.
Think About Ice Packs
Patients shouldn’t expect to swell after having a simple tooth extracted. But if a tooth extraction is a more complicated procedure, the patient may experience some swelling.
This is normal, and it usually starts within the first 24 hours and peaks on the second or third day. If your tooth extraction doesn’t look like it will go smoothly, your dentist will probably tell you to use an ice pack to eliminate any swelling quickly. If this is the case, you should put ice on the side of your face where the procedure was done for 15 minutes at a time, then take a break for 15 minutes. This should take between an hour and two hours.
Remember that ice packs help most when used within 24 hours after a tooth is pulled. So, if you have to, start them early.
Visit Your Dentist
Lastly, go back to your dentist. If you are still bleeding after 24 hours or are in a lot of pain, you should go back to your dentist. There may be something wrong with the place where the tooth was taken out, and this needs to be looked into more. Remember that it’s easier to deal with and treat problems when caught early, so don’t ignore any symptoms that don’t seem necessary.
Now that you know what to do after getting a tooth extracted, let’s look at what you shouldn’t be doing.
Here Are Some Things You Shouldn’t Do
Smoking
You should give it up for at least 48 hours if you smoke. Chemicals in tobacco smoke can affect the clot and make it more likely that you will get a dry socket after having a tooth pulled.
Getting Drunk Or Drinking Carbonated Drinks
It’s also best to avoid carbonated drinks and alcohol for four days after having a tooth pulled, as these can also break up blood clots that have already formed.
Don’t Eat Certain Foods
Avoid chewy, crunchy, or spicy foods for at least the first 24 hours. Also, avoid foods with grains and seeds because they can hurt the area where the tooth was taken out. Instead, choose soft foods like soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, fish, and yogurt. Try to avoid extremes of temperature, like anything too hot or cold.
Don’t Touch The Spot Where Your Tooth Is Extracted
Getting a tooth pulled out might seem strange, but you shouldn’t poke it with your tongue, finger, tissue, or toothpick. It can break up a blood clot, make you bleed more, and cause a dry socket.
Now you know what to do and what not to do after getting a tooth extraction.
If you are worried about getting a tooth pulled or have questions or concerns, come to our dental clinic and talk to the staff. We use the latest, most gentle methods and our years of experience to make the process as painless as possible for every patient. You can visit our dental clinic for same-day tooth extraction near me.