Getting a tooth pulled is a common dental procedure. A bad cavity, injury, or because there’s not enough room in your mouth could mean tooth removal. Although the procedure itself is usually quick, the healing that happens afterward is very important.
Taking good care of yourself helps you heal faster and can prevent problems like an infection. Here are some helpful tips to follow after your extraction from Dr. Abraham Stein.
What to Do After a Tooth Extraction
Manage Bleeding and Swelling
Right after your tooth is removed, Dr. Stein will put a piece of gauze on the area. Bite down gently to keep it in place. This helps stop the bleeding and allows a clot to form so it heals. Keep the gauze in for about 30 to 45 minutes. If you’re still bleeding after that, put in a new piece of gauze and keep pressing down.
It’s normal for your face to swell a little. You can put an ice pack on your cheek to help reduce swelling and ease discomfort. Use the ice pack for 15 minutes at a time, then take it off for 15 minutes. Do this for the first few hours after your procedure.
Rest and Take It Easy
Your body needs time to heal, so plan to rest for the rest of the day. Avoid exercise or heavy lifting for at least 24 hours. When you lie down, try propping your head up with an extra pillow. This can help reduce bleeding and swelling.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Stick to soft, cool foods for the first few days. Good choices include yogurt, pudding, mashed potatoes, and applesauce. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods that could bother the area.
Don’t drink through a straw, and don’t smoke or spit forcefully. These actions can loosen the blood clot and cause a painful problem called dry socket. Be sure to drink plenty of water carefully.
Gently Keep the Area Clean
You should still clean your mouth, but be very gentle around the extraction site. Avoid brushing directly over the spot for the first few days. After 24 hours, you can start gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day. Don’t use store-bought mouthwash during this time because it can irritate the area.
Pain Management and Medication
It’s normal to have some pain after the procedure. Your dentist may give you pain medicine or suggest an over-the-counter option. Take medicine exactly as directed. If you were prescribed antibiotics, finish all of them even if you start feeling better.
Know When to Contact Your Dentist
Some pain and swelling are normal, but call Dr. Stein right away if you have:
- Heavy bleeding that won’t stop
- Severe pain that doesn’t go away with medicine
- Signs of infection, fever, increased swelling, or pus
Avoid Touching the Area
It might be tempting to touch the extraction site with your finger or tongue, but it’s important to leave it alone. Touching the area can introduce germs, disturb the blood clot, and slow down healing. Let your body heal naturally without interference.
Skip Vigorous Rinsing
While gentle rinsing is helpful after the first day, avoid swishing water or saltwater too forcefully in your mouth. Strong rinsing can dislodge the clot that’s forming and delay healing. Instead, let the liquid flow gently around your mouth before tipping your head to let it drain out.
Choose the Right Pillows
Sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first night or two. Use an extra pillow or two to prop your head up. This helps reduce swelling and prevents blood from pooling in the extraction site. It’ll help you heal more comfortably.
Next Steps
At The Stein Center for Advanced Dentistry, your oral health is our top priority. We do our best to preserve your natural tooth structure whenever possible. However, there are times when an extraction is necessary. Call Dr. Stein at 847-750-3125 or request an appointment online to learn more about tooth extractions.