How to achieve a smooth recovery after tooth extraction

Tooth extraction is a common procedure we perform here at our Surrey dental clinic. There are a few reasons why a tooth–or teeth–may need to be extracted. For instance, a tooth can be too damaged to repair, or an extraction might help to ease crowding. Also, wisdom tooth extraction–a treatment just about everyone has heard of, if not experienced themselves.

There are some important after-care steps to take following a tooth extraction. Why? Because a blood clot is supposed to form in the hole left where your tooth was. This clot protects the site while everything heals. So you want to do everything possible to not disturb the blood clot. If it is dislodged, it complicates and prolongs healing, and a painful condition called dry socket can develop (temporary with the right treatment).

Most recovery periods will be a week or two for simple extractions, but will go longer for more involved procedures or if complications develop. So, to avoid snags and ensure a smooth, and as short a recovery, as possible, here are some after-care best practices for tooth extraction patients.

Tooth extraction recovery dos

• Rest
• Medicate
• Use ice packs
• Eat soft foods
• Sneeze with an open mouth
• Wipe instead of blowing your nose
• Be gentle with oral hygiene

Give yourself more time for rest after a tooth extraction. If the dentist has prescribed medication, make sure to follow the instructions closely. Ask about suitable over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen to help reduce discomfort and swelling. Use an ice pack for similar reasons. It’s best to eat only soft foods (like yoghurt, cottage cheese, soft fruits, bread, pasta and cooked vegetables for example). Brush and floss normally, however avoid the extraction site.

Tooth extraction recovery don’ts

• Don’t eat hot, sticky, spicy, crunchy or hard foods
• Avoid strenuous activities
• Eliminate smoking and alcohol
• No straws/No sucking
• No spitting

The reason for a lot of these is to avoid anything that might dislodge the blood clot. Hot and spicy foods can cause irritation. Hard, crunchy and sticky foods can cause damage. Anything that causes pressure in the mouth, like sucking, sneezing, spitting, exercise (through blood pressure)and nose blowing, needs to be avoided.

To ensure a smooth recovery after a tooth extraction, Surrey dentists will give you instructions like these to follow, tailored to your situation (one or more teeth extracted, etc.). If you experience increasing pain, swelling, heat or fever, it may signify an infection or dry socket. Call your dentist for additional treatment.

Riverside Heights is your friendly Surrey dental clinic! We serve people in the Fraser Heights and Guildford Mall area, as well as those from the Lower Mainland from Chilliwach to the Sunshine Coast. Come in and see us! If you have questions about tooth extractions or anything tooth related, we’d love to answer them for you. 604-584-2535.