Recovery Tips After a Dental Extraction
July 31, 2021 3:08 amBefore your tooth extraction is performed, our Peek Dentistry team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. We want you to have a comfortable and successful recovery. We are also available to answer any questions you may have before or after your treatment. Even though your aftercare instructions will be based on you and your unique treatment plan, there are a few things that virtually every patient can do to make their recovery process better.
Keep Your Head Elevated
For the first few nights after your extraction, sleeping with your head propped up on a few extra pillows is an excellent way to reduce swelling around the jaw. It’s also an important part of the recovery process, since it prevents too much blood from collecting around the extraction site. If this happens, pressure can build up, and bleeding can occur. Make sure to remove the gauze from your mouth first before going to bed to reduce the risk of accidentally choking on it.
Eat Soft Foods That Require Minimal Chewing
While it’s good to exercise the jaw a little after oral surgery, patients who eat the wrong foods can easily become tired and frustrated. Sharp foods like chips and crackers need to be avoided, since they can irritate the extraction site. Don’t eat hard or chewy foods until you are completely healed either. Eating a meal will likely take longer than usual. We recommend sticking to things like blended soups, broths, and smoothies until you get more comfortable with chewing.
Find Low-Activity Things To Do
The recovery process after having one or more teeth removed involves taking it easy for at least a few days. This is because too much activity too soon can cause the blood clot that develops in the extraction site to come loose. Not only can this be painful, but it sets the patient’s recovery time back. Make a plan before your procedure. Treat yourself to some good movies, TV shows, books, video games, or board games that you can look forward to enjoying after your dental extraction.
Use a Saltwater Rinse
After your surgery, you may find it difficult to open your mouth wide enough to brush your teeth as thoroughly as you usually do. One easy way to clean the mouth and kill harmful bacteria is by swishing a warm saltwater rinse around the mouth for at least thirty seconds. Mixing half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm (not hot) water is an easy step to add to your recovery process that can remove plaque and debris and reduce your chances of infection.
Tooth Extractions at Peek Dentistry
Our Katy, TX team will do all we can to make your tooth extraction as comfortable as possible. We are able to extract all types of teeth, including wisdom teeth. Contact us to schedule your consultation.
Categorised in: Oral Health, Oral Surgery
This post was written by Peek Dentistry
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