Tooth extraction is the orthodontic removal of your teeth in a sterile environment with as little trauma as possible. An orthodontist will recommend after-care practices by the patient to aid the healing process. If these after-care practices are not followed, you might develop issues with the healing process. It is therefore important to be aware of what to do and not to do.
Do Brush Teeth Gently
Do not immediately rush to brush your teeth. The next time you do, be careful and brush your teeth gently to avoid dislodging the formed blood clot. The blood clot covers the wound and allows it to heal. If the blood clot is dislodged, bleeding will persist, slowing healing.
Do Apply an Icepack
Swelling is normal after tooth extraction. It might take a while, but when it happens, applying pressure from the outside using an icepack helps reduce swelling and helps control the pain you might feel once the anesthesia wears off.
Do Take a Rest
Avoid strenuous activities after a tooth extraction to allow it to heal. Do light exercises instead, and keep your head upright while lying down.
Don't Eat or Drink Immediately
For the first few hours after a tooth extraction, it is important to avoid ingesting anything so that a clot can form. Do not start with any sweet or sugar stuff at first. Bland food is advisable for those first few hours.
Don't Smoke
Smoking is not advised for the first few days after an extraction. This is because the extracted area is an open wound, and the chemicals from the nicotine can cause complications once they get into your bloodstream. The nicotine can also cause dryness around the extracted area, irritating the extracted region.
Don't Take Aspirin
Aspirin and painkillers are unadvisable during the healing process since painkillers like aspirin cause bleeding complications. Clotting is crucial after tooth extraction, and aspirin prevents clotting, which lengthens the healing process.
Esthetic Smiles - Dr. John Abajian, DDS, 1901 N. Solar Dr. Suite 135, Oxnard, CA 93036 - 805-365-4222 - myestheticsmile.com - 9/10/2024 - Related Terms: dentist Oxnard CA -
Tooth extraction is the orthodontic removal of your teeth in a sterile environment with as little trauma as possible. An orthodontist will recommend after-care practices by the patient to aid the healing process. If these after-care practices are not followed, you might develop issues with the healing process. It is therefore important to be aware of what to do and not to do.