Having your tooth extracted can be a painful experience, and it takes some time to heal and requires some aftercare to avoid complications. People usually undergo tooth extraction for various reasons, such as your tooth might be decaying or you are faced with gum-related diseases. Sometimes, unnatural tooth growth also leads to the necessity of tooth extraction. Whatever the reason, once the procedure is done, you will have to go through a proper care routine for at least two weeks to ensure proper healing.
As your dental care experts in Westchase and Carrollwood, FL, Tampa Dental Wellness offers some recommendations on things to avoid after a tooth extraction that can help you with easy healing and avoid unnecessary complications after the procedure is done.
Expert Suggestions On What To Do After Tooth Extraction
The aftercare plan needs to be followed in a step-by-step manner. You need to follow a more stringent plan right after your tooth is extracted. With the days passing and the healing process coming to completion, you will need less care, yet some things are still best avoided. Let’s start by learning more about what you need to do right after tooth extraction.
The First 24 Hours Of Tooth Extraction Care
The first 24 hours are the most crucial in ensuring a quick healing journey. At this time, your clot is newly formed, and it is most vulnerable to even minor disturbances. To avoid it, you need to follow a few steps such as:
- No Rinsing Of Mouth Right After Tooth Extraction: While you may feel like the need to rinse your mouth when the procedure is done and your tooth is pulled from the socket, doing so will damage the part even more and cause further complications. The clot needs some time to set in the place where the tooth is removed. So, it is best to avoid rinsing your mouth within the first 24 hours.
- Avoid Consumption Of Any Tobacco Products: Tobacco is known to reduce blood flow and it also contains harmful chemicals that must be kept away from your mouth if you wish for a quick recovery. If you smoke or consume any tobacco product within the first 24 hours, your gums will not receive proper blood flow, and it might as well cause the clot to break and bleed, affecting healing in the long run.
- Eating Practices To Avoid: A soft or liquid diet that is high in nutrients is highly recommended as it is not only gentle on your mouth but will also help with quick healing. Do not go for foods that are hard to chew or too crunchy. If you need to consume liquids such as juices or shakes, avoid the use of straw, as it can damage the clot and cause the bleeding to start again.
- Don’t Consume Alcohol:Use of alcohol will not only slow down the healing process, but it can also react negatively with the medications prescribed by your dental care expert. Take at least two days before you think about consuming alcohol after tooth extraction.
The First Week Plan Of Tooth Extraction Care
Under this strategy comes the most common Dos and Don’ts that you need to follow. Here are some of the things that you need to learn about first-week care for tooth extraction:
- Follow Through A Gentle Oral Hygiene Care: Oral hygiene is necessary to avoid any dental problems in the long run. Nevertheless, if you have just had your tooth extracted, it is best to avoid intense practices of oral care. Brushing your teeth should be avoided for at least the first two days. You can choose to rinse your mouth after the first 24 hours have passed, but be gentle to avoid any damage to the clot.
- Do Not Engage In Heavy Physical Activities: If your everyday routine requires you to engage in activities that need to lift heavy objects or put a strain on your body, we recommend you avoid them for the first week after tooth extraction. Lifting heavy things always puts strain on your jaw, and it can also contribute to the bleeding of the extraction area.
- Eating Practices To Avoid In The First Week: You might be feeling the need for a hot beverage as you may think that it will bring comfort to your extraction site. However, extremely hot beverages can cause the blood vessels to dilate, thus contributing to the bleeding. Also, foods that contain too much sugar should be avoided as they can cause infections at the extraction site. It is advised to go for lukewarm drinks and a balanced diet for the first week that can support the healing process.
Long-Term Care After Tooth Extraction
Care after tooth extraction takes time until your extraction site is completely healed. After the first week of the care plan, you will see significant improvements. However, it doesn’t give you any reasons to be less careful. Here are some advice to follow through in the long run:
- Be Gentle On Your Mouth: You may feel like your gums have healed and now you can go back to routine. But healing takes time, and you will still need to be careful to avoid any complications. Use a gentle brush and follow a subtle oral hygiene practice. Also, avoid the consumption of any foods or beverages that can lead to the damage of gums or infections in the extraction area.
- Follow Up With Your Dentist: Your dentist will be your best guide throughout the healing journey. That’s why it is advisable to go through follow-up appointments to ensure your gums are healing properly after tooth extraction. If there are signs of any complications, the dentist will adjust your care plan accordingly.
- Keep An Eye On Any Signs of Complications: Complications can occur at any stage of healing. That’s why you will need to keep your eyes open and look for any signs that can hinder the healing process. Some of the signs include:
- Severe pain that is not showing any signs of improvement
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Swelling of your gums
- Discharge of pus from the extraction area
- Reoccuring fevers with a feeling of chills
If you see any of these signs, get in touch with your expert dentists from Tampa Dental Wellness right away. You will be provided with immediate evaluation and necessary treatment without any delay.
Need A Tooth Extraction? Tampa Dental Wellness In Westchase & Carrollwood Can Help
At Tampa Dental Wellness Dentistry, you get care from the most skilled dentists in Westchase & Carrollwood. You can rely on their services for the most sophisticated tooth extraction that is done quickly and with minimum discomfort. You can also rely on them to provide you with all the expert guidance you need for aftercare whether it is for oral hygiene or on what to eat after tooth removal. Get in touch today to book your appointment, and you will benefit from the top-notch care and most skilled dental services.
These Are The Most Common Questions People Often Ask Our Team
What to eat after tooth extraction?
Eat a healthy diet that is high in protein and calories. Avoid anything too sugary or hard to chew. A well-balanced and easy-to-digest diet is preferable.
What to avoid after tooth extraction?
Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and anything with high acidic content can slow down the healing process and cause further damage to your gums and extraction site.
Do I need follow-up appointments after tooth extraction?
Follow-up appointments are advised after tooth extraction to keep a check on the healing process and avoid any complications.
How long will it take for the tooth extraction site to heal?
Soft tissue healing is achievable within two weeks. However, the overall healing of the extraction site can take up to one month, depending on how you follow through with the care after tooth extraction.
