Hearing you need to get a tooth extracted likely didn’t feel great, but don’t worry! After all, it’s one of the most common dental procedures in the USA.
Moreover, if you need to pull a tooth out, we’re here at Dr. Mexico near the border between Tijuana and San Diego! Not only does our team specialize in dental extractions, but they also work with you to support you post-op.
We will provide in-depth aftercare instructions for a smoother recovery period. And the more you learn how to care for yourself afterward — the better you can deal with discomfort as you heal.
To help you better understand what to expect during extraction recovery, here are tips to ensure a smoother process:
Dealing with Pain and Swelling
The main problems during tooth extraction recovery are pain and swelling. You can keep these at bay and stay as comfortable as you can be by doing the following:
- Bite a gauzed or cotton pad to reduce bleeding.
- Take prescribed medications given by your dentist on the suggested schedules.
- Put an ice pack following a 15-minute interval each time you feel pain.
- Stay upright and avoid lying flat.
- Complete the whole course of prescribed antibiotics if given to you.
Our dentists will discuss your unique medication plan with you. And this can involve taking prescription medicines, OTC painkillers, or both.
We ensure you understand what and when to take them to avoid pain and swelling.
Stop the Blood Clot
Your blood must clot in your tooth socket to block the bleeding. And to avoid dislodging these crucial clots, don’t do the following after tooth extraction:
- Drink using a straw.
- Forcefully rinsing your mouth.
- Participating in strenuous activities.
- Forceful spitting.
- Smoking or using tobacco products.
These won’t only help the blood clot stay where it’s supposed to be, but they can also encourage more clots to form.
Slowly Clean Your Mouth
Avoid touching the extraction site after the first day of the procedure. It’ll stop you from dislodging the blood clot, ensuring faster healing.
After two days, you can start cleaning your mouth using your dentist’s recommended cleaning solution. Or, if not applicable, you can substitute the solution with a mixture of half a teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of water.
Remember to rinse your mouth after each meal to avoid infecting the extracted site. And though you can brush and floss the rest of your mouth, avoid touching the extraction area.
Stick to Soft or Liquid-Based Foods
You can start eating soft or liquid-based meals once you feel better. It’s best to stick to these two first, as you need to avoid chewing as much as possible at this stage.
Here are nutritious soft or liquid-based foods you can eat after tooth extraction:
- Applesauce
- Smoothies
- Soup
- Bananas
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Porridge
- Pudding
- Eggs
You can expect little to no appetite during the first 24 hours of your extraction. But even if you’re not ready to eat, staying hydrated is crucial. It boosts your immunity against infection, promoting quicker healing.
Consult Your Dentist ASAP
Slight pain and swelling in the first few days after a tooth extraction are normal. But these, alongside your other symptoms, should improve gradually.
If you think you aren’t healing well or are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact Dr. Mexico – Tijuana Dentist Center ASAP:
- Sudden onset of chest pain
- Excess coughing
- Fever
- Chills
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty in breathing
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long will it take for me to recover from a tooth extraction?
A: It depends on your case, but you should be able to recover from the extraction in a few days fully. Although you can return to your regular activities within 2 to 3 days after the extraction, it’ll take several weeks for your jawbone to heal.
Q: What’s the most efficient way to hasten my tooth extraction recovery?
A: Getting enough rest is the most foolproof way to hasten tooth extraction recovery. It optimizes your body while minimizing force or pressure on the extraction site.
Q: What are the things I shouldn’t do while recovering from a tooth extraction?
A: Avoid drinking with a straw, slurping soup and other liquids, rinsing your mouth hard, or smoking. These can create suction in your mouth, which may dislodge the blood clot, causing excess bleeding. Not only will this leave you with a bloody mess, but it can also delay recovery!
The Bottom Line
If pain persists at the extraction site continues, you might have developed alveolar osteitis.
Regardless, this post should give you a good idea of what to expect post-extraction. To have your tooth extracted by a specialist, call us at (619) 819-9442 and book your appointment.