Tooth Extraction Aftercare: Do’s and Don’ts

Follow This Tooth Extraction Aftercare for Fast Healing, and to Avoid Pain. The first 24 hours after your surgical procedure (Tooth Extraction) are the most important and will ultimately determine the outcome of your procedure and the course of your healing. What happens after the (tooth removal) procedure is just as important as the procedure itself.

What You SHOULD NOT do After Tooth Extraction ?

1. Spitting repeatedly / rinsing your mouth vigorously within the first 48 hours is a strict NO DO NOT spit out your saliva if bleeding persists, bite on to wet gauze packs given by your dentist for 30-45 mins to minimize the bleeding.
2. Touching or examining the surgical area with fingers or tongue.
3. Smoking or vaping
4. Drinking through a straw
5. Brushing the surgical site with a toothbrush within 48 hours.
   
   
   These Actions can dislodge the the Blood clot which is integral for tissue healing, leading to dry socket (a very painful condition).
6. Heavy physical activity or strenuous exercise for 24-48 Hours after the tooth extraction procedure, this can increase the blood flow, which can lead to increased bleeding and swelling.
7. Eating hard, hot or spicy food.
8. Playing around with sutures (if placed) using your tongue or fingers the more undisturbed the surgical site, better the chances of faster healing. Sutures may dissolve or you may be recalled after 7-10 days when your dentist will remove them.
9. In case a bone grafting has been performed after your tooth extraction, in the next 3-4 months, your graft will get integrated with your bone and become stable. Avoid any excess pressure to the area during this time.
10. Skip/stop the course of antibiotics although you may not be experiencing any pain after the tooth removal.
11. Panic after googling/ chatgpting any mild discomfort  reach out to your doctor for any doubts and cut out the anxiety.
    
    
    

What You SHOULD Do After Tooth Extraction?

1. Hold the gauze in place by gently closing your teeth on it, keeping steady pressure for around 30-45 minutes. It is the most important for controlling bleeding and to help with clotting.
2. Alternate every 15 min with an ice pack. (15mins ON/15 mins OFF). This will accelerate your healing and minimize the swelling or bleeding.
3. If a prescription has been given to you, kindly follow the indications correctly, in case of extreme pain, contact your dentist who will most likely prescribe stronger medication.Consider a visit to the dental office only if pain persists even after medication change.
4. Sleep with your head elevated high at night. Sleep on the side opposite to the surgical site to avoid pressure. Only soft food for the first 24-36 Hours Food at room temperature or cold food stuffs will ensure fast healing of extracted/grafted sites. If possible, it is recommended to chew on the opposite side of the surgical site for 1 week following the procedure.
5. Gently cleanse the area with the prescribed mouthwash using a Q-tip and gently swish the surgical area with the same mouthwash. Alternatively, you may also use warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water) to gently cleanse the area from DAY 3.
6. This tooth extraction aftercare is Ideal to Heal Fat and can avoid Pain.
   
   
   
   

Call Your Dentist If You Notice:

1. Severe or increasing pain after Day 3
2. Prolonged Bleeding
3. Bad taste or pus
4.  Fever
5. Implant Feels Unstable
   
   

Remember:

Healing Is a Partnership between your dentist and you
Clot protection + hygiene + prescribed medication and instructions = healing without trouble.
Follow these instructions as your Tooth extraction aftercare, listen to your body, wishing you a smooth recovery and happy healing!

Ignoring post-extraction symptoms can lead to infections. If you notice pain, bleeding, or delayed healing, get it checked early.
Book an appointment with Ivory Smiles Dental Clinic now and heal with confidence.