Several factors can lead to the permanent removal of a tooth or several teeth. Your tooth can be damaged beyond repair or overcrowded, making extraction necessary. The West Hollywood extractions specialists can determine if you need an extraction and guide you through the process. The tooth extraction process is straightforward and takes no time. It is painless as your dentist injects strong anesthesia to manage pain. A gauze is placed on the extraction site to overcome bleeding and encourage clotting. The aftercare process after a tooth extraction is critical in promoting healing and avoiding complications. Here is what you should know.
Aftercare for the First 1-2 Days
The aftercare for the first 48 hours after extraction focuses on encouraging the formation of the blood clot and preserving the overall health of your mouth. Remember that your mouth might numb and bite on yourself when you attempt to eat or chew anything. It is normal to experience low bleeding for the first 24 hours, which is well managed using the gauge. Ensure you change the gauge often and avoid rinsing to avoid dislodging the forming clot. Also, take enough rest for the first two days, avoid smoking, use a cold press, and take painkillers if you experience unbearable pain.
3-10 days Aftercare
A cloth should have formed during the first two days after the extraction. It is time to keep the cloth secure and avoid other complications. You can gently rinse your mouth using salt water or a saline solution to kill any bacteria in the mouth. Also, resume your normal brushing and flossing but do it with care this time to avoid the extraction site. Begin eating soft foods and chewing carefully, trying to remove the food from the extraction site as soon as possible. Do not eat hard food like crips, chips, hard toast, or fruits with seeds.
Multiple Teeth Extraction Aftercare
Some situations lead to the need for multiple extractions. General anesthesia is often used to keep you unconscious during the procedure. You might need extra caution when using multiple extractions, like avoiding certain foods. Also, your dentist will offer special instructions for your recovery. You might need someone to take you home due to the effects of the general anesthesia. The aftercare for such treatment can be complicated, especially when the extraction is done on both sides of your mouth. Your doctor will give you clotting aids to help with the recovery. Remember to adhere to any instructions your doctor gives you strictly.
Wisdom Teeth Aftercare
The recovery time for wisdom teeth extraction might be longer than a regular extraction. Your doctor can provide additional techniques and tools to promote your healing from the surgery. Also, you might get additional instructions to promote healing.
Aftercare for Children
Children might undergo a different tooth extraction procedure. The child will be put not an unconscious state using general anesthesia. You must stay close to your child when they wake up and monitor their recovery closely. Also, ask questions about their feelings and any symptoms they might be experiencing and talk to the dentist about it.
Any tooth or tooth extraction recovery should be straightforward. However, contact your doctor if normal healing does not occur, and you experience unbearable symptoms. Reach out to Sunset Smile Dental for more information.