Beyond Extraction: What Happens After A Tooth Extraction?
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As terrifying as the idea of tooth extraction is, it’s also relieving at the same time. Getting rid of a problem tooth can be cathartic, to say the least. However, no matter how soothing it might feel, the real test comes after. You have to be very careful with the extraction site, especially if you don’t want to catch a case of oral infection. But to do so, it is essential to know what happens after tooth extraction. In this blog, you will find everything you need regarding tooth extraction aftercare and more.
What Happens After A Tooth Extraction?
If you recently had a tooth pulled out or are thinking of getting one extracted, then you can expect it to be pretty painless. Sure, there may be slight discomfort, but for the most part, tooth extraction is done under anesthesia. That is to say; the dentist ensures their patient is under local anesthesia before the start of the procedure so that you don’t feel anything.
However, once the tooth is pulled out, the dentist covers the empty socket with a fresh piece of gauze. This is to stabilize the socket and prevent profuse bleeding. Moreover, pressing the gauze over the bleeding area helps to create a blood clot which ensures there is no risk of a dry socket. For the first 24 hours after the extraction, you can expect slight bleeding and may be required to swap out the gauze. When the bleeding stops, you can go about your daily routine being mindful of the instructions given by your dentist.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Dental Extraction?
It usually takes the anesthesia 2 to 4 hours to wear off after the extraction. However, once it does, you become aware of the hollow ache in your mouth. This discomfort takes around 4 weeks to go away.
Immediately after the extraction, you will be asked to rest for at least 48 to 72 hours so that the extraction site can become steady and the blood clot can form. When it does, you can resume your day-to-day activities and go back to your routine. However, it is crucial to note that the newly-empty tooth socket will not heal instantly. You have to be very careful when going about your day so it doesn’t irritate the blood clot. Give it some weeks to heal and close up.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare Tips
There are many things you need to take care of to ensure nothing goes south after a tooth extraction surgery. Mentioned below are a handful of aftercare tips you can follow to avoid getting stuck with a dry tooth socket.
- Follow all the instructions given by your dentist.
- Avoid any activity that requires a lot of physical strength.
- Take time off work or school to rest and get back in shape.
- Rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash to keep the extraction site clean.
- Don’t forget to take the medications on time.
- Use a gentle hand when brushing or flossing teeth.
- Stick to a soft foods diet. Do not eat anything hard, crunchy, or too sweet.
- Swap caffeine and carbonated drinks for water and fresh fruit smoothies.
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To Summarize
What happens after tooth extraction depends entirely on you and how you take care of your oral hygiene. As long as you listen to your dentist and follow all the given instructions, you will recover in no time. For more information on tooth extraction, you can also reach out to Rosenberg Dental & Implant Center at (281) 369-9242 or drop by our clinic at 2818 Avenue I, Rosenberg, TX 77471, United States.