Whether you’ve had a single tooth removed or all your wisdom teeth taken out, it’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure proper and speedy healing. Following a tooth extraction, the professionals at Oahu Dental Care in Pearl City and Honolulu, HI, provide their patients with detailed aftercare instructions, including the below tips.

Tooth Extraction Aftercare

1. Take Pain Medication as Directed

You’ll be more comfortable after your tooth extraction if you take whatever pain medication is prescribed or recommended rather than trying to tough it out. Just make sure you follow your dentist’s instructions regarding how much to take and how often.

2. Use Ice to Reduce Swelling & Pain

Swelling of the cheeks and lips is common following a tooth extraction, particularly with wisdom teeth. To avoid the “chipmunk” look and further minimize the pain, hold an ice pack on your cheeks or mouth (depending on the extraction location) for 10 minutes at a time.

3. Limit Strenuous Activity for 24+ Hours

In most cases, you can return to normal activities after the first 24 hours, but your dentist may recommend a longer recovery period if you had multiple teeth removed. This means avoiding physical exercises like running or weight lifting, as well as household chores like laundry.

4. Don’t Rinse, Spit, or Drink From a Straw

For the first six hours, avoid rinsing your mouth or spitting, as this can loosen the blood clot in the socket, postponing healing. Additionally, do not drink from a straw for the first 24 hours, as this can affect clotting as well.

5. Avoid Smoking

Smoking inhibits your body’s natural ability to heal itself. It’s imperative you do not smoke following a tooth extraction. If you want to resume the habit, it’s best to wait until your dentist says the site has healed completely. 

6. Choose Soft Foods the First 2 Days

You’ll want to stick with soft foods like soups and yogurts for the first couple of days. Doing so will prevent irritation, pain, and infections. As the site begins to heal, you can slowly reincorporate solid foods back into your diet.

7. Sleep With Your Head Elevated

Getting plenty of rest is essential while you heal, but use a couple of pillows to keep your head elevated when lying down. This will promote clotting and healing so you can get back to your normal activities sooner.

If you’re nervous about an upcoming tooth extraction, you can rest easy when you’re in the capable hands of the dentists at Oahu Dental Care. They’ll ensure you know what to expect before, during, and after the procedure and will give you everything you need to have a speedy recovery with minimal discomfort. The team also offers general and cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening, cleanings, and root canal treatments. Visit their website to learn more, or call (808) 456-5005 today.