Tooth extraction aftercare is the care you need after the removal of a tooth/teeth to speed up the healing process, minimize the risk of infection, and prevent complications. The initial healing of the extraction site (the socket) usually takes from 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction procedure and the size of the wound. For example, surgical or wisdom tooth extraction may take a longer time to heal. The disturbance of the wound during the healing period can lead to painful complications such as a dry socket. So, follow the tooth extraction aftercare instructions to prevent these complications. The aftercare instructions include biting on the gauze pad for 30 minutes, avoiding hot foods and drinks, and taking the prescribed painkillers. You will follow these aftercare instructions for the next few days after the tooth extraction. In this article, we will discuss:
- How does the healing process occur?
- How to control pain, swelling, and bleeding?
- Tooth extraction aftercare (Instructions)
- What are the possible complications after tooth extractions?
- When to call your dentist?
The Healing Process After Tooth Extraction
To understand the purpose of tooth extraction aftercare, you should first know how the healing process occurs. Immediately after the extraction of a tooth, the blood fills the extraction site (the socket), and the blood clot begins to form. This blood clot stops the bleeding and protects the underlying bone and nerves. Also, it provides a foundation for the development of a new bone and gum. The disturbance of the blood clot can lead to prolonged bleeding, delayed healing, swelling, and severe pain due to the exposure of the underlying bone and nerves. So, you should follow the tooth extraction aftercare instructions immediately after the removal of a tooth/teeth to speed up the healing process and prevent complications.
The healing time depends on several factors such as the size of the wound, the complexity of the surgery, and the patient’s current status (age, medical condition, and personal habits such as smoking). For example, the surgical extraction of a wisdom tooth usually takes a longer time to heal than the extraction of a lower incisor. During the first 2 weeks following the extraction, the gum tissues will heal and close the wound. After 8 to 10 weeks, two-third of the extraction socket will fill with a new bone. The complete bone healing usually takes from 4 to 6 months.
Things that Can Disturb the Blood Clot
During the first 48 hours after tooth extraction, these things can disturb the blood clot:
- Hot foods and drinks.
- Mouth rinsing.
- Spitting or using a straw.
- Smoking.
- Touching the extraction site with your tongue or finger.
- Exercise or lifting heavy objects.
- Taking aspirin because it interferes with your blood’s clotting action.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare (Instructions)
Tooth extraction aftercare begins immediately after the removal of a tooth/teeth. Bite on the gauze pad for 30 minutes and take the prescribed medications. Also, it is important to avoid disturbing the blood clot. We will discuss the tooth extraction aftercare in detail.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare During the First 24 Hours
Stop Bleeding
The dentist will place a gauze pad on the extraction site. Bite firmly on the gauze pad for 30 minutes to stop the bleeding and don’t keep changing the gauze.
Manage Pain
Take painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed by your dentist to reduce pain and swelling. If antibiotics are prescribed, take it regularly and stick to the recommended dose.
Minimize Swelling
Apply an ice pack to your face over the area where extraction is performed for the first 2-3 hours after tooth extraction to help minimize the swelling. Place a towel between your face and the ice pack to prevent direct skin contact and apply the packs 10 minutes on and 5 minutes off.
Avoid Disturbing the Blood Clot
The blood clot begins to form in the tooth’s socket immediately after the tooth extraction. It stops the bleeding and protects the underlying bone and nerves. Also, it provides a foundation for the development of a new bone and gum. The loss of blood clot makes the bone and nerve endings exposed and prone to infection. Therefore, you should:
- Avoid spitting, mouth rinsing, blowing your nose, and using a straw in the first 24 hours after tooth extraction.
- Don’t touch the extraction site with your finger or tongue.
- Don’t smoke or drink alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid hot foods and drinks.
- Don’t take aspirin because it inhibits blood clotting.
- Avoid physical activities and exercise.
Eating and Drinking
Eat cool, soft foods such as pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hot, hard, crunchy, and spicy foods. Also, avoid alcohol and caffeine (coffee and black tea) because they promote the bleeding tendency.
Smoking
Avoid smoking after oral surgery because it interferes with the healing process and may disturb the blood clot, causing a dry socket.
Oral Hygiene
Maintain good oral hygiene. After the bleeding has stopped, brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and avoid the extraction site. Let water or saline solution roll around in your mouth but avoid vigorous rinsing.
Driving
Keep in mind that your ability to drive may be reduced after tooth extraction because of anesthesia, especially if you have taken additional medications.
Aftercare Instructions After 24 Hours
- Rinse with warm salt water to remove food debris and prevent infection. Simply, apply one-half tablespoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
- Eat cool, soft foods such as pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs and avoid hot, hard, crunchy, and spicy foods. It may take just a few days to return to your normal eating habits.
- Avoid exercise and lifting heavy objects.
- If stitches are placed, book a follow-up appointment to have these stitches removed.
- Contact your dentist if you have any complications such as persistent pain or prolonged bleeding.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare for Children
Tooth extraction aftercare for children is the same as for adults. However, parents should monitor their child’s behavior and healing process, especially immediately after the tooth extraction. Your child will feel numbness and tingling sensation in his/her lip, tongue, and/or cheek for 2-3 hours after tooth extraction due to local anesthesia. Monitor your child during this time to ensure that they don’t bite the numbed areas (lip, cheek, and/or tongue). Lip biting is a potential complication that usually occurs in children after dental procedures due to the biting or chewing of the numbed lip as a result of local anesthesia.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare for Children includes:
- Make your child bite on the gauze pad for 30 minutes after tooth extraction.
- Avoid things that may disturb the blood clot such as using a straw, spitting, vigorous mouth rinsing, and hot foods and drinks.
- Restrict your child’s eating until the effect of local anesthesia is gone to avoid painful lip biting.
- Avoid feeding your child solid food until the numbness is gone and give him/her soft snacks such as frozen yogurt or milkshakes.
- Children should maintain good oral hygiene.
Lip biting usually occurs in children under the age of 8. If your child bites on his/her lower lip, it may swallow and cause pain. Also, the swelling and pain may worsen over the next few days. So, if you notice a lip-biting:
- Give your child OTC pain medication.
- Apply OTC ointment that contains topical anesthesia.
- Apply ice packs on the affected area 3 times a day for 3 days (put the ice packs 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off for 1 hour).
- Rinse your child’s mouth with salt water 2 times a day for 3 days.
- Contact your dentist for more aftercare instructions.
Lip biting will completely heal during the next 2 weeks. If the pain and swelling do not improve within a week, visit your dentist.
When To Call a Dentist?
Tooth extraction aftercare will allow smooth and speedy recovery without complications. However, you should call your dentist or oral surgeon if you have:
- Prolonged bleeding.
- Severe pain for more than 2 days.
- The swelling gets worse.
- Numbness and taste disorder.
- Unpleasant smell/taste.
- Trismus (lockjaw).
Summary
- Tooth extraction aftercare begins immediately after the removal of a tooth/teeth.
- After the extraction, the blood clot begins to form in the tooth’s socket.
- The blood clot stops the bleeding and provides a foundation for developing new bone and gum.
- The disturbance of the blood clot can lead to prolonged bleeding, delayed healing, and painful complications such as a dry socket.
- The Dos: bite on the gauze pad for 30 minutes, take the prescribed medications, eat soft food, and maintain good oral hygiene.
- The Don’ts: don’t spite, smoke, use a straw, or rinse your mouth in the first 24 hours after tooth extraction. Also, don’t touch the extraction site with your tongue or finger.
- Parents should monitor their child’s behavior after tooth extraction to ensure they don’t bite the numbed areas (lip, cheek, and/or tongue).
- Contact your dentist immediately if you have severe pain, the swelling gets worse, and/or trismus.