What Are the Don’ts after Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extractions are relatively standard and performed on many adults for reasons like infections, injuries, decay, and jawbone deterioration. However, dentists often extract wisdom teeth emerging between 17 and 21 because they are problematic and often remain hidden under the gums causing numerous complications. In addition, broken teeth with fractures extending below the gums also require removal to prevent complications later.

If you must have a tooth or two removed for the reasons described, you might think getting a tooth pulled is daunting. However, there are measures you can adopt to speed your recovery and return to regular life quickly. When discussing recovery tips after removing a tooth, you will likely receive many suggestions from everyone about what you shouldn’t do following tooth removal.

You will undoubtedly receive after-care instructions from the dentist near you pulling the tooth, including what you can and shouldn’t do. Your recovery depends on following your dentist’s instructions and adopting the tips this article mentions, and caring for your mouth correctly.

The initial 24 hours after tooth removal are incredibly important. You must exercise caution not to disturb the extraction site on the day of the process because it is crucial to allow blood clot formation. Therefore you must avoid swishing any liquids in your mouth, using mouthwash, or spitting vigorously because it can dislodge the blood clot to result in a dry socket, a painful condition that needs additional dental visits. A dry socket also slows healing making you endure more pain than expected.

Here Are the Things You Shouldn’t Do After Tooth Removal

• Do Not Touch the Sutures: Your mouth remains sensitive to changes after getting a tooth removed. You may find your tongue stretching out to the extraction site frequently. You might be tempted to poke or prod the area with your fingers. However, you must understand your actions can slow the healing process and even result in a dry socket. Therefore avoid touching the extraction site or any sutures placed by the dentist and keep the area untouched. You can rinse with a saline solution after 24 hours and exercise caution when brushing and flossing using gentle strokes until you have recovered.
• Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco: You must avoid smoking or consuming alcohol 24 hours before tooth removal and 48 hours later because they are detrimental to your healing process. Alcohol can interact with pain medications you receive to alleviate discomfort, and Tobacco increases the risks of infections in your mouth. In addition, it would be best if you don’t drink hot liquids after tooth removal because it can cause irritation and dislodge the blood clot.
• Avoid Crunchy Foods: Dental offices suggest avoiding crunchy foods during the initial few days after tooth removal recommending a diet of soft foods like pasta, smoothies, soups, yogurt, pudding, et cetera to prevent the chances of food particles damaging the extraction site. After that, you can gradually add foods to your diet in a week or two after the procedure.
• Avoiding Straws for Drinking: Using straws for drinking liquids is restricted by dentists because it creates a suction motion harmful to the blood clot in the extraction site. Therefore you must use a spoon when eating soft foods for about a week following the process.
• Getting Rest: after returning home from the dentist’s office without your tooth, do not consider visiting the gym or performing other strenuous activities. Instead, give your body the rest it deserves for your recovery. While you don’t have to remain bedridden, you must avoid lifting heavy objects, bending forward, or getting involved in activities that require you to perform manual tasks.

Before you schedule your appointment for tooth extraction in Youngtown, discuss your recovery guidelines with the dentist and ask any questions you have to prepare for your recovery before the procedure. You may not get an opportunity to see the dentist for a week after tooth removal when they may schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your progress or remove any sutures if required.

The Youngtown dentist will spare the time to explain the extraction procedure and the recovery timeline depending on your general and dental health and provide specific tips to facilitate faster and more comfortable recovery.

If you think you need a tooth or two removed, Agua Fria Dental performs many extractions on patients providing adequate instructions on your recovery and using minimally invasive procedures. Consult them today to prepare for your tooth removal by gaining all information you need for your recovery from the practice to safeguard your dental health.