What is a tooth extraction?

The term refers to the painless removal of a tooth or tooth roots with minimum trauma to the surrounding tissues so that the extraction socket wound heals uneventfully and without any post-operative complications. Whenever any type of surgery takes place, the first thing we want is to let it heal properly, quickly and smoothly. As a common practice, most of the dental surgeons have standard post-surgery instructions printed which are handed over to the patient. One must follow these instructions given by the dentist. Following all the post-operative instructions after tooth extraction reduces the incidence of infection and chances of dry socket. If aftercare instructions are not followed, complications can arise, which can further lead to delayed healing.

Here are some of the do’s and don’ts after a tooth extraction.

Do’s:

  • Rest: Try to get some rest after Tooth Extraction. You may feel great but don’t exercise or do too much activity for at least 24 hours. When resting, keep your head in a slightly upright position on the pillow.
  • Let it clot: Let the clot be formed on the tooth extraction site, which covers it and allows it to heal. After the procedure, your dentist will give you a piece of gauze to bite on near the extraction site. Try to bite down and keep it in place for at least 30-45 minutes afterward. This will put pressure over the wound and help it to stop bleeding. However, make sure you don’t chew on gauze piece. If it is still bleeding after this time, place a new piece of gauze, and continue to bite down on it.  If the bleeding persists for a few hours after the procedure then try putting a wet tea bag on the site. The tannic acid present in black tea helps to aid in the clotting process.
  • Ice Packs: Apply an ice pack on the side of your face where surgery was performed. This is done to reduce possible swelling. The swelling after an extraction may not occur immediately, but can continue to swell for a few days, reaching a maximum at the 2nd or 3rd day. Application of the ice pack is most effective during the day of extraction as after 24 hours there is no significant beneficial effect. Ice packs should be applied 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for 1-2 hour time periods.

Dont’s:

  • Don’t smoke: For at least 48 hours after tooth extraction do not smoke. The chemicals in the smoke can affect the clot and hence the chances of developing dry socket 3-4 days after tooth extraction increases.
  • Don’t eat solids immediately after: While you still have numbness it’s best not to eat solids. When you start feeling your jaws you can start taking solids. After tooth extraction, take soft and liquid foods like soups, mashed potatoes, yogurts, milkshakes, smoothies etc.
  • Warm salt water rinses: The main aim of rinsing is to clean the area of extraction as it is not possible to brush the socket. The combincation of warmth and salt in the water can accelerate the healing process. Rinsing is usually advised 24+ hours after extraction.
  • Avoid Sucking of any type: SMOKING, SIPPING, STRAWS, and SWISHING are to be avoided after tooth extraction. Try eating soft and liquid food options such as soups, mashed potatoes, yogurts, milkshakes, smoothies etc. after tooth extraction. Avoid hot drinks, spicy foods and sodas.
  • Don’t poke into the gap created: Though for initial few days, it will feel a bit awkward to have a gap but don’t poke that area with any toothpick or tongue as it may delay healing, may provoke bleeding and can also lead to dry socket.

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