While it’s nice to be able to keep your natural teeth, sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary . When you leave the dentist’s office in Marietta, GA, it’s important to take care of yourself to prevent any complications from occurring and keep your oral health in top shape. Whether you are undergoing a normal extraction or a wisdom tooth extraction, always follow your dentist’s instructions during aftercare. Keep your mouth clean, avoid certain foods, and use over the counter medications to address any pain. Keep reading for a closer look at how you can take care of your mouth after an extraction.
Keep It Clean
A tooth extraction is a relatively common procedure, but you will still need to provide the right kind of aftercare if you want to heal quickly and efficiently. Your dentist may instruct you to use gauze pads to soak up any blood from the procedure; remember to change them out for clean ones before they are fully saturated. You can use warm salt water to rinse out your mouth, but make sure you wait 24 hours after the procedure. This should keep the swelling down and alleviate any pain you may be feeling. Practice proper dental hygiene by brushing your teeth twice each day and flossing once in addition.
Know What Not to Do
Immediately after your dental extraction, it’s a good idea to stay away from solid foods. Try soft foods like soup or gelatin in order to avoid complications throughout the healing process. Give yourself some time to recover after your extraction, as physical activity can cause you to bleed more. Lying down flat can also contribute to bleeding. Don’t use a straw to drink, and refrain from probing the extraction site with your tongue.
Fight the Pain
If you experience any pain after your dental extraction, talk to your dentist to learn about the best way to deal with it. He or she will likely prescribe you painkillers, so take them as directed. Keep swelling and discomfort under control by using a cold compress on the outside of your mouth.
