Teeth extraction may be necessary because of infections, gum disease, overcrowding, decay, or damage from trauma. If you’re set to have this procedure, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind for aftercare.

Do:

Eat the right foods.

Only eat soft foods following your teeth extraction procedure, such as pudding, yogurt, applesauce, soup, and smoothies. Wait about one week after surgery to incorporate hard foods into your diet.

Avoid eating or drinking anything using a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clot from the extraction site.

Use proper pain relief measures.

You’ll likely be in some pain after your procedure, so your doctor might give you prescription pain medication or recommend an over-the-counter drug. Take these medications as prescribed. Don’t wait until you’re in pain to take them for the first few days; set a timer to keep up with your schedule.

You can also use an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time to reduce pain and swelling.

Rest.

Rest for at least the first 24 hours after extraction. If you can, taking more time off from responsibilities can be beneficial to the healing process. When sleeping or resting, prop your head up with pillows, as laying flat will result in more swelling around the surgical site and make it more difficult for your mouth to heal. 

Don’t:

Rinse or spit.

Wait until 24 hours after the teeth extraction procedure to rinse your mouth or spit; otherwise, you may dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site. After 24 hours, you can rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution to prevent infection, but avoid spitting too forcefully.

Smoke.

Avoid smoking during the first couple of days after surgery. Smoking produces the same suction as a straw and inhibits healing. If you can, it’s best to quit smoking before your extraction.

Change your gauze right away.

Leave the initial gauze pad in your mouth for about three to four hours after your teeth extraction procedure to help a blood clot to form. After this window, you can change the gauze as needed.

If you need teeth extraction, turn to the professionals at Oral Surgery Associates of Alaska in Anchorage. Surgeons Dr. William F. Bergeron, Jr. and Dr. Ray Holloway are both board-certified and offer a gentle touch and inviting atmosphere for patients. Visit their website to view their services, or call (907) 561-1430 to make an appointment today.