February 7, 2022

After-care Tooth Extraction: Keeping Your Mouth Healthy

By Dr. Liana Muradyan, DDS · Medically reviewed by Dr. Leon Kiraj, DDS

After-care Tooth Extraction: Keeping Your Mouth Healthy

What is a Tooth Extraction?

  • Severe tooth decay (cavities).
  • A fractured tooth.
  • An impacted tooth.
  • Crowded teeth.
  • Severe gum disease.
  • Tooth luxation or other dental injuries.

After-care Tooth Extraction

  1. Regularly brush your teeth and gum A tooth extraction process will leave your teeth and gums sensitive. To avoid the irritation and pain that follows after a tooth extraction exercise, try to brush slowly and gently.
  2. Regular mouth rinsing Rinsing your mouth, especially with an effective rinse product such as saltwater rinse, is a super trick to protect the health and well-being of your mouth after a tooth extraction procedure takes place. However, before you rinse the area, you should give it an allowance of not less than 24 hours to allow the affected socket to heal.
  3. Do not chew on THAT side Get Your Confident Smile — Book Today Ready when you are. Our team at Infinite Dental Wellness makes scheduling a breeze and welcomes new patients for cleanings, cosmetic care, or dental emergencies. Schedule a Visit Chewing on that side can cause more bleeding, inflammation, swelling, and even pain. This can negatively affect and delay the healing process. The best products to chew after extraction are liquid diets or softer items since they will not harm the area of concern.
  4. Pain Relief Medication Pain relief medication can help you ease the discomforts that arise immediately after the extraction. If the pain does not go away after a few days, you should talk to your dentist, even if you’re using pain relief medication.
  • Take painkillers as prescribed by your dentist.
  • Leave the initial gauze pad in place until about three to four hours after the procedure.
  • Apply an ice bag to the affected area immediately following the procedure, but only for 10 minutes at a time. Leaving ice packs on for too long can result in tissue damage.
  • Rest for 24 hours following the operation and limit your activity for the next couple of days.
  • To avoid dislodging the blood clot, don’t rinse, spit, or use a straw for 24 hours after the procedure.
  • After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with a salt solution, made with half a teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces warm water.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • When sleeping, prop your head up with pillows, as lying flat can prolong healing.
  • Continue brushing and flossing your teeth to prevent infection , though avoid the extraction site.

What foods can you eat after your tooth extraction?

  • Applesauce
  • Pudding
  • Soup
  • Yogurt

Frequently Asked Questions

Wait at least 24 hours before rinsing. After that, gently rinse with a salt solution of half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.

Stick to soft foods and liquids such as applesauce, pudding, soup, and yogurt. Chew on the opposite side to avoid disturbing the extraction site.

Suction from a straw can dislodge the protective blood clot and delay healing. Avoid straws, rinsing, and spitting for the first 24 hours.

Take painkillers as prescribed, apply ice for 10 minutes at a time, and prop your head up when sleeping. Call your dentist if pain persists after a few days.

Yes. Continue brushing and flossing gently to prevent infection, but avoid the extraction site itself while it heals.

Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale performs extractions and guides you through aftercare. Call us to schedule a visit or with any healing concerns.

Have questions about your smile?

The team at Infinite Dental Wellness in Glendale, CA is here to help. Reach out today.

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