Tooth extraction is a fairly straightforward surgical procedure, but it is still a surgical procedure. This means that there are some things the patient should do and other things they should avoid in the hours and days after the tooth is pulled.
Some Things To Do Are:
Rest
Because an extraction is so simple, most patients feel that they need to get back into the swing of things as soon as possible. This is a mistake. The body still needs to heal, so it is best if the patient takes it easy for a day or two.
Use Ice Packs
It is normal for that part of the face where the tooth was extracted to be a bit swollen. It is okay to put an ice pack against it, but never put ice directly on the skin. Dentists recommend that the ice pack be put on for 15 minutes, and taken off for 15 minutes in one- to two-hour stretches of time.
Let the Clot Form
A blood clot is going to form where the tooth was pulled. This is normal and is part of healing. After the extraction, the dentist will place some gauze over the clot. The patient should bite down on it, and make sure it’s kept in place for an hour or more. Replaced it after it becomes saturated. One well-known tip is to place a wet, cold tea bag over the surgical site and bite down on it if the bleeding doesn’t stop. The tannic acid in the tea can stop the bleeding and help the area to clot.
Call the Doctor If Things Get Worse
The patient should call the doctor if their bleeding doesn’t stop, if their pain medicine doesn’t work and if they experience nausea or vomiting. They should call if swelling and redness gets worse instead of better, there are signs of pus in the surgical wound, or if they develop a dry socket. This is when the clot either fails to form or falls out. This exposes the nerves and delays healing.
Here Are Some Don’ts:
Don’t Eat Solid Foods Right After Your Surgery
For one thing, the patient is going to be numb on one side after the surgery. If they eat immediately, they may end up chewing their tongue or the inside of their cheek. Only take solids after the numbness wears off. In the meantime, eat a soft or liquid diet.
Don’t Skip Medications
The patient shouldn’t wait till they are in excruciating pain before they take their pain medications, and they must finish the entire course of antibiotics no matter how well they feel.
