Healing After Tooth Extraction

If it has been determined that you need a tooth extracted, it is important to make sure that you allow ample time to recover so that your tooth extraction alexandria va heal nicely! It is not uncommon for a patient to need about a week of healing time before returning to everyday activities.

Patients have varying rates of healing but your doctor will be able to give you a better estimate of how long you should allow yourself to recover before getting back to your normal daily routines. Your health status pre-surgery will play a huge factor in your recovery time.

What can you expect immediately following extraction?

Swelling will be one of the first things you notice right after you have a tooth extracted. This should only last up to three days but if it does persist longer, make sure you call your doctor for a follow-up appointment so they can make sure that there’s no infection in the area. A cold compress to the area should help calm any inflammation.

A blood clot will form over the extraction site to protect the underlying bone and nerves from damage. For 3 to 4 days, it is important to avoid using drinking straws and smoking. The sucking action can easily dislodge the blood clots and cause a painful dry socket.

While you may notice a pink tint when you rinse your mouth, any excessive bleeding should cease within the first 24 hours. Using a warm saltwater solution is the best way to keep your extraction sites clean and free of debris. When you do rinse your mouth, do not forcibly spit it out, instead, allow the water to spill out of your mouth as you lean over the sink. Avoid mouthwash is especially ones that contain alcohol.

It is important to avoid areas with dental floss and toothbrushes, but using a Q-tip to gently wipe away any debris or food particles is just fine.

Are there any restrictions following tooth extraction?

There are a few restrictions that you will want to adhere to you after you have had a tooth extracted. The longer you allow yourself to rest, the quicker and easier your healing process will be. This means no exercise and no strenuous activity.

For the first 10 days, you will want to stick to a diet of soft foods, such as soups and smoothies. Anything difficult to chew, spicy, or crunchy will only serve to delay your healing. Alcoholic beverages should also be avoided for 7 to 10 days.

Will I have to take any medication after an extraction?

Your doctor will definitely prescribe you an antibiotic which should be taken in full as directed so that you do not develop an infection and setback your healing time. Most patients are able to manage their pain with over-the-counter medications though if you develop dry socket or cannot tolerate your pain, your oral surgeon may prescribe you pain medication.

More on Tooth Extractions : Wisdom Tooth Extractions