Recovery Tips After Tooth Extraction
February 27, 2021 8:58 am |Are you feeling worried about an upcoming tooth extraction? We hope to help ease some of your fears with this blog post! Our dental team will do all we can to help you feel completely comfortable throughout the extraction process. Once the extraction is complete, we will send you home with detailed guidelines to encourage the area to heal. Read on for an overview of how to manage your discomfort and promote a smooth recovery.
Managing Discomfort
On average, it takes 7 to 14 days to completely heal after a tooth extraction. Here are some of our recommendations:
- Follow the label’s directions when taking your prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers
- Leave the gauze over the extraction site for several hours or until you’ve stopped bleeding
- Apply ice to the outside of the cheek closest to the extraction area to reduce pain and swelling
- Avoid bending, lifting, and strenuous physical activity for several days
- Do not smoke, vape, or drink from a straw (which can dislodge your blood clot and delay healing)
- Clean the area as directed
Avoid Foods That Can Irritate Your Extraction Site
To prevent potential complications and unnecessary pain as you recover, there are several kinds of food you should avoid. We advise waiting about a week before eating these hard, chewy, and/or sharp foods:
- Tough Meats
- Chips & Pretzels
- Nuts
- Popcorn
- Chewy Candy
Eat Soft Foods
Stick to soft foods that are easy to eat and don’t involve a large amount of chewing. Here are some great options that won’t agitate the extraction area:
- Soup
- Low-Sugar Yogurt
- Mashed Potatoes
- Eggs
- Smoothies
- Macaroni & Cheese
- Applesauce
Tooth Replacement Solutions
After your mouth is healed, the next step may be to start thinking about your tooth replacement options. Unless your extracted tooth was a wisdom tooth, a gap in your smile can cause your teeth to shift. This can negatively affect your smile’s appearance and your bite alignment.
Do you need a tooth extraction or are you looking into your tooth replacement options? At Vista Ridge Family Dentistry, we offer a wide range of treatments to help you achieve a healthy, fully functioning smile. Contact us today to learn more!
Categorised in: Dental Tips