Whether it’s due to severe decay or periodontal disease, sometimes it’s necessary to extract a tooth. If your dentist has advised you to get your tooth pulled, it’s important to take proper care of yourself afterward to ensure a speedy recovery. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts after having your teeth pulled.

Do:

Take it easy.

Avoid any physical activity for the first 24 hours after your tooth extraction. Additionally, when you lie down, keep your head elevated with a couple of pillows to minimize swelling.

Use ice.

Put an ice pack on the side of your face where the dentist performed the extraction to help reduce some of the swelling. Keep the ice pack there for up to 15 minutes and reapply it as often as needed for the next 24 hours.

Watch what you eat.

After a tooth extraction procedure, your mouth will be pretty sore for a couple of days. Stick to eating softer foods, like yogurt and pudding, until your mouth heals.

Don’t:

Smoke.

Smoking tobacco can impede the healing process. To avoid any infection, don’t use tobacco products for at least a few days after your procedure.

Brush your teeth.

It can be tempting to brush your teeth after your tooth extraction procedure, but doing so can dislodge the clot. Avoid brushing your teeth for 24 hours after the procedure.

Skip medication.

If your dentist prescribed you pain medication, you should take it as directed. This medication will minimize swelling and pain, helping you feel better.

For the best results with a tooth extraction, you need a top-quality dentist. Nizich Family Dental in Juneau, AK, has provided superb family dentistry services, including teeth cleanings and dental implants, since 2007 and are committed to providing patients with great customer service. The use the latest technology available and talk to their patients about every procedure they perform to make them feel comfortable. To schedule an appointment, call (907)-789-7001 or visit their website for more information.