Are you in a lot of pain from having your teeth pulled? Practicing proper aftercare can help you manage the pain better. 

Caring for your extracted tooth socket can seem scary and complicated. Our article helps break down everything you need to know about tooth extractions and the proper aftercare routine you need to follow. Keep reading to learn more!

What is Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction, or getting your teeth pulled, is a dental procedure where your tooth is removed completely from its socket. While permanent teeth are meant to last for a lifetime, there are some instances where they need to be removed from your mouth to ensure long-term dental health. 

Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure among adults. People need to get their teeth pulled for various reasons, ranging from decayed teeth to a crowded mouth.

When Do You Need Tooth Extraction?

If you’re experiencing any of the following conditions, your dentist might recommend a tooth extraction. 

• Cavities 
• Crowded mouth
• A fractured tooth
• An impacted tooth
• Severe gum diseases
• Tooth luxation

Your dentist will always try to preserve your natural teeth using restorative methods before resorting to extraction. When restorative procedures such as dental fillings, root canals, and crown fittings do not work, tooth extraction is your only option to ensure oral health.

Aftercare for a Tooth Extraction

Aftercare for tooth extractions varies depending on the complexity of your condition and the location of your tooth. However, you can expect the area to heal within seven to ten days. Most people find that their pain goes down after three days. 

It is important to maintain the blood clot that forms in the socket where your teeth used to be. Caring for this blood clot is vital to your recovery process as it helps prevent worse complications like dry socket.

General Extraction Aftercare Practices to Heal Faster

• Get plenty of rest after your extraction, especially for the first 24 hours. Limit your physical activities for the next couple of days until the pain subsides. 
• Leave the initial gauze pad in place for at least three to four hours after the procedure to allow the blood clot to form properly. 
• Apply an ice bag to the affected or swollen area for about 10 to 20 minutes to dull the pain. 
• Don’t spit, rinse, or use a straw for a few days after the procedure. These actions can put pressure on the healing wound and dislodge the blood clot. 
• Take the painkillers that your dentist prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation. 
• Use an extra pillow to elevate your head when sleeping. Avoid lying flat on your back for at least the first night after tooth extraction, as this may let blood pool in your head and prolong healing.
• Avoid smoking.

Once your blood clot is fully formed, here are some extra steps you can take to prevent infection and ensure oral hygiene.

• Once your clot is securely in place, you can gently rinse your mouth using a saline solution or with a pinch of salt in warm water. Saline rinses get rid of bacteria and prevent infections from forming in your mouth. 
• Continue to brush and floss as usual, but avoid the extraction site. You can also use an antibacterial mouthwash that your dentist recommends. 
• Eat only soft foods for a few days after the procedure.

Foods to Eat After Tooth Extraction

During the healing process, it is normally recommended that you only eat soft foods that won’t require excessive chewing. Avoid any hard and crunchy food that can get trapped in your empty socket. 

Here are some soft foods to eat as your extractions site heals:

• Soup
• Yogurt
• Rice
• Pasta
• Pudding
• Applesauce

Foods to avoid:

• Hard Toast
• Chips 
• Foods Containing Seeds
• Nuts
• Tough Meat Cuts

You can also drink smoothies, but bear in mind that you can’t drink them through a straw. You can only eat them with a spoon. As the extraction site heals, you can incorporate more solid foods into your diet, but stick to soft foods for a week after the procedure.

Some Home Remedies for the Pain

Soreness, discomfort, swelling, and pain are common side effects you will experience in the days after your extraction. There are a few home remedies you could try to ease your pain and ensure a speedy recovery. 

• Applying ice packs to the affected part of your jaw can help reduce the pain and swelling. Don’t apply the pack for longer than 20 minutes at a time.
• A few days after the extraction, you can rinse your mouth with salt water to reduce the pain and swelling. They also kill any nesting bacteria in your mouth and prevent infections. 
• Your doctor might prescribe some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen. These medications can help reduce pain and swelling.

If your discomfort doesn’t fade in a few days, or if you experience sudden pain days after the tooth extraction, consult your dentist immediately. They will check your mouth for signs of infection and prescribe proper care.

Aftercare for Children

The tooth extraction procedure is a little different for children. Dentists might put children under general anesthesia for the surgery so that they don’t feel any discomfort. 

However, the aftercare remains the same for adults and children alike. Parents or caregivers will have to supervise their child’s healing and ensure that they’re following all the right aftercare precautions. Encourage your child to inform you of any changes in their level of pain. 

If their swelling or pain increases in the days after the extraction, consult your doctor at once. 

Before undergoing a tooth extraction procedure, talk to your dentist in detail about the aftercare requirements. Depending on the severity of your condition, the location of your tooth, and your medical history, your dentist will recommend proper aftercare habits to help your socket heal faster. 

If you need to get your tooth extracted, get in touch with our experts at the Patriot Family Dental in Clarksville. We offer tooth extraction and subsequent tooth replacement services to our patients. Our team is friendly and dedicated to providing you with the best dental care. Register with us today! If you have any queries about our services, you can call us at 931-645-2469 or contact us online!