Recovering From Tooth Extraction

Dr. Khuong Nguyen

September 20, 2022

Tooth Extraction

Immediately after a tooth extraction, you will need to rest for 24 hours. It is important to sleep early and limit activity. You should elevate your head and drink plenty of fluids. You will also need to brush your teeth carefully and use a soft toothbrush. Avoid using toothpaste near the extraction site and avoid rubbing the tooth. You can rinse with water containing one teaspoon of salt for prevent infection. Your dentist can give you some advice on how to clean your mouth.

Avoiding strenuous activity

Most oral surgeons advise their patients to avoid strenuous activity for at least four days after tooth extraction. This is because exercise puts more pressure on the tooth extraction site, and it can cause it to bleed. It can also cause a dry socket. Patients are also advised to avoid vigorous exercises such as running during recovery.

If you do not have a choice, you should not smoke or chew tobacco for a few days after your extraction. Smoking will delay the healing process and increase the risk of complications and infection. You should also avoid strenuous activity on the day of the procedure. This is because it can dislodge a blood clot and cause pain. After that, you can gradually resume your normal activities.

Avoiding smoking

Smoking can negatively impact the healing process after tooth extraction. It can cause inflammation in the gums and inflamed tissues near the tooth extraction site. This can cause pain and make opening your mouth difficult. It may also cause a dry socket, which can be painful and have a bad smell.

Smokers should avoid smoking for at least 24 hours after their procedure. They should also refrain from heavy physical activity. They should also avoid alcohol and hot beverages. Additionally, they should avoid brushing the site of extraction. Moreover, smoking may cause bleeding and should not be done immediately after the surgery. Also, demanding food and drinks should be avoided as they may dislodge the blood clot. It is also not recommended to use straws during the healing process.

Smoking is also not recommended after tooth extraction because it can increase the procedure’s pain. Additionally, it can interfere with certain prescription medications. Smoking effects on tooth and also disturbs delicate tissues and can result in infection. Smoking can also prolong the healing time. In addition, smoking can interfere with the alignment of other teeth.

Avoiding over-the-counter mouth rinses

After tooth extraction, you should avoid using over-the-counter mouth rinses. These products may contain alcohol, which can damage the extraction site. Your Gilbert dentist will discuss the appropriate way to care for the site. It is also recommended to use saltwater rinses for a few days.

Avoiding over-the-counter antibiotics

You should avoid taking over-the-counter antibiotics if you have just had a tooth extraction. The FDA warns against taking them unless you have a prescription from a healthcare provider. They can cause serious illness if taken with alcohol and increase antibiotic resistance. Also, antibiotics for tooth infections should only be used under the supervision of a dental professional.

Medications can also inhibit blood clotting, which is necessary for post-extraction healing. If the blood clot is inadequate, there could be complications, including infection or bleeding. In addition, some of the commonly used medicines can interfere with blood clottings, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Hence, patients should avoid using these products before tooth extraction.

Avoiding prescription medications

If you plan for tooth extraction, you should avoid taking any medications before the procedure. Some medications can have side effects that could make the procedure more difficult. Also, you must inform the dentist about the medications you take before the procedure. Then, the dentist can assess your health history and determine whether any particular medication will cause complications during the procedure.

Medications are commonly prescribed during dental procedures to prevent local and systemic infections. However, it is essential to remember that antibiotics can have unwanted effects. Overusing these medicines could also reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. Some antibiotics can cause allergic reactions in patients. Furthermore, they do not mix well with other medicines. Hence, you should avoid taking antibiotics after tooth extraction unless you need them.