Tooth extraction?
It is a dental procedure where a tooth is extracted from the dental socket and generally performed by oral surgeons.
It is one of the terrifying nightmares to get the tooth pulled. Pulling out a tooth can hurt. But, while getting the tooth removed, the doctor generally gives local anaesthesia to eliminate pain during the tooth extraction process.
These signs might suggest that you need your tooth to get extracted.
- Tooth pain due to a filling, root canal or crown procedure
- Crowding of the teeth
- Gum diseases
- Impacted wisdom teeth
- Tooth decay
- Broken teeth
The reasons may vary. However, there are certain do’s and don’ts one must follow after getting a tooth extracted.
Let’s first know about a few Do’s which one should follow:
Take Rest
Taking rest does not mean you should get bedridden. After you got your tooth removed, try to rest in the first 24 hours. Make sure you keep your head in the upright position while you sleep at night.
Do not do the following:
- Avoid bending or exerting any pressure
- Avoid exercise
Stay Hydrated
It is crucial to stay hydrated as blood clot forms after a couple of hours. Do not swish water in the mouth. It is strictly forbidden to use a straw for drinking water.
You can gargle with a light salt solution. Move over the water gently and let it fall from the mouth in the sink naturally.
Use Ice Packs
There are simple and complex tooth extractions. In a simple extraction, swelling might be less visible. However, with the complex tooth extraction process, there tend to be swelling that is visible. Placing an ice pack on the swelling area can help reduce the swelling.
After you get a tooth extracted, reduce the swelling. All you need is to place the ice pack in the area where the tooth extraction occurred. Apply the ice in 15 minutes intervals and then off for another 15 minutes. One must do it for a couple of hours.
Start to use ice packs within 24 hours to get more benefits.
Foods To Eat
Soft foods like
- Soups
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Fish
- Yoghurts
Here are a few don’ts to consider:
Do not indulge in the following activities:
Stop Smoking
Quit smoking once you have had your tooth extracted. It is mandatory not to smoke for 48 hours after the extractions. Smoking might impact the blood clot due to the chemicals present in the tobacco. Also, you might develop the chance of a dry socket.
No Alcohol & Carbonated Drinks
Try not to drink fizzy, aerated drinks for a few days. Avoid drinking for four days after the extraction. Doing so can lead to dislodging the blood clot.
Foods To Avoid
You must avoid certain foods after the tooth extraction. Avoids foods like:
- Chewy
- Crunchy
- Spicy
- Foods containing seeds and grains
Stop Poking The Extracted Tooth Area
A tooth removed from the socket might give you a strange feeling at first. You should stop poking around the extracted tooth with your tongue, fingers or even a toothpick.
Keep the following things in mind once you get your tooth extracted.
The views and opinions expressed, and assumptions & analysis presented in this content piece are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer or company. The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
