Tooth extraction aftercare.
Healing properly after a tooth extraction depends on how well you stick to the routine given to you by your dentist. Maybe you got your wisdom teeth removed, maybe you got a tooth removed for a dental implant, or maybe you got several teeth extracted to start wearing braces. Now you’re asking yourself “How do I care for myself after a tooth extraction?”. Your dentist may have given you instructions on how to let your tooth wound scar over with minimal issues. However, you may still have some questions regarding the aftercare process. So, in this blog entry we will cover some frequently asked questions. The key to a successful recovery lies in taking care of clotting blood, keeping your mouth clean, and keeping the tooth socket food-free for the first few days after your extraction. Follow the next several tips to achieve a fast and healthy healing process.
Take care of the blood clot
The most important point to follow in the aftercare process is to preserve the blood clot that forms in the socket where the tooth used to be. Taking care of this blood clot can prevent any complications that can lead to serious setbacks such as infection and a dry socket. Taking care of the blood clot will also leave good tissue for a future dental implant.
Keep a soft diet after the procedure
Maintaining a soft food diet for the first week is common, especially after going through an extraction. If your dentist or orthodontist has asked you to keep a soft food diet, then this list will have foods that are acceptable. Procedures that require a soft food diet can include dental extractions, wisdom teeth extractions and other services offered at Somos Dental. This past Somos Dental post, can give you more information. Here is the list of soft foods:
- Liquefied soups: A good way of staying hydrated after the dental procedure.
- Broths: Like soups, broths are good to eat after a dental or orthodontic treatment. Broths are also a way to stay hydrated, which is important for proper recovery.
- Ice cream: The cold helps with inflammation.
- Puddings and jellies: These are low-sugar options to stay hydrated.
Keep good dental hygiene
A day after the extraction you can start brushing your teeth as usual. However, you will need to avoid the extraction area. Instead of brushing, rinsing with saline water will take care of the dental socket area’s health.
Do saline rinses
When the blood clot has formed, you will need to rinse your mouth with a warm saline solution. The saline solution will kill any bacteria that can complicate the aftercare process. You can make this solution yourself. Just add a pinch of salt to a cup of warm water (not too hot!). Rinse your mouth twice a day, this will help you recover correctly, which is necessary for any future dental implants.
These aftercare tips can be followed, after a tooth extraction or any other kind of dental treatment. If you notice any changes, have questions or wish to schedule an appointment with an oral health professional, call us at 623-869-1091.At Somos Dental we have a great team of professionals! You can contact us by any of the means listed on this page, or by visiting our locations. We are located in the following 4 locations: Downtown, Desert Sky, Mesa and Camelback.
