Do not talk, as this may loosen the gauze and lead to further bleeding and delay the clot formation. If the gauze gets too wet, you may replace it with another; however, do not change gauze more often than necessary and do not spit out saliva, as this may hinder clot formation. Do not disturb the extraction area with your tongue or fingers, and avoid blowing your nose and sneezing or coughing during this time. Increased pressure may cause the wound to bleed again. [1] X Expert Source Tu Anh Vu, DMDBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 20 May 2020. Avoid holding your hand over the area of extraction to avoid warming up the area. Remove the gauze after 30 to 45 minutes and check in the mirror to see if there is any bleeding.
Take the first dose of pain medication as soon as possible before the effects of the anaesthesia wear off. It’s best to complete the dosages of painkillers and antibiotics as prescribed.
You can use a zipped plastic bag with crushed ice or ice cubes inside if you don’t have an ice pack. Avoid keeping your hand in the area of extraction as you will generate heat.
Repeat rinsing with this solution four to five times a day for several days after the extraction, especially after meals and before bed. [5] X Expert Source Tu Anh Vu, DMDBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
Try sleeping propped up on two pillows and avoid sleeping on the extraction side so the blood doesn’t stagnate under increased heat. Do not bend downwards nor do any heavy lifting. Always sit in an upright position.
Flossing and using mouthwash can be kept in your regular routine. Just be sure not to use the floss near extraction site. Use an antiseptic mouthwash or a rinse prescribed by your dentist to help kill bacteria and prevent any infection.
Flossing and using mouthwash can be kept in your regular routine. Just be sure not to use the floss near extraction site. Use an antiseptic mouthwash or a rinse prescribed by your dentist to help kill bacteria and prevent any infection.
Do not apply the gel directly into the socket. Just apply the gel to the area around the extraction site.
Eat regularly and don’t skip meals. Eat food that is at room temperature or cold, but never warm or hot. Eat soft and mild-cold food like ice cream, smoothies, pudding, gelatin, yogurt, and soups. These are good especially immediately after an extraction because they soothe discomfort caused by the procedure. Make sure that what you eat isn’t too cold or hard, and that you don’t chew on the extraction area. Hard-to-chew foods (e. g. cereal, nuts, popcorn, etc. ) can be painful and difficult to eat, and may injure the wound. Gradually change your food from liquids to semisolids to solids as the first few days pass. Avoid straws. Drinking with a straw creates suction pressure within the mouth, which may cause bleeding and prevent proper clotting, which can lead to dry sockets. [10] X Expert Source Tu Anh Vu, DMDBoard Certified Dentist Expert Interview. 20 May 2020. Avoid spicy food, sticky food, hot drinks, caffeine products, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Avoid tobacco/alcohol for at least 24 hours after extraction.
Patients with diabetes generally take a longer time to heal after any dental treatment because bleeding also takes longer. Maintain a blood-sugar level close to normal to ensure faster healing after an extraction, and inform your dentist about your diabetic condition and your recent glucose test results. Your dentist will decide whether or not your blood sugar level is adequately under control for an extraction procedure. [13] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Patients with high blood pressure should be aware that certain blood pressure medications may cause bleeding from the gums. This could cause complications if the medication is not ceased prior to a tooth extraction surgery. Inform your surgeon about any medications you are currently taking or have recently taken. [14] X Research source Patients taking anticoagulants or blood-thinning drugs like warfarin and heparin should inform their surgeon about those medications before dental extractions, as this class of medication will hinder blood clotting. [15] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Patients taking oral contraceptives containing estrogen may have complications with blood clotting. Consult with your surgeon if you are currently taking an oral contraceptive. [16] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Some long term medications will cause mouth dryness, which may lead to infection after a tooth extraction. Consult with your surgeon before any procedure. You should also consult with your doctor before changing any medications or dosages that you are taking.
If you are currently a smoker, consider quitting before your tooth extraction. If you do not intend to quit smoking, be aware that patients should not smoke a cigarette for at least 48 hours after surgery. Patients who chew tobacco or “dip” should not use tobacco for at least seven days.
