Dr. Sheen provides tooth extractions in our Annapolis, MD dentist office. While our goal is always to help you avoid tooth loss, sometimes extractions are necessary if a tooth becomes severely impacted or infected. With tooth extractions, you should take extra care of yourself following the procedure to ensure your mouth heals properly. Here are some of our best tips for tooth extraction aftercare:
Keep It Clean
It’s important to be diligent about your oral hygiene routines as your extraction site heals. You can brush your teeth, avoiding irritating the extraction site, to the best of your ability the evening after your tooth extraction. The next day, you can begin brushing normally again, at least twice a day. We recommend rinsing your mouth using a saltwater solution throughout the days following your tooth extraction to ensure the extraction site is clean and no residue is caught inside of it. Mix 2 cups of water with 1 teaspoon of salt to create an at-home saltwater rinse. As your extraction site heals, a blood clot will form over the extraction site to prevent residue and bacteria from entering the wound.
Diet Matters
Your diet will need to be modified immediately following your tooth extraction. Crunchy and chewy foods are more likely to disturb and irritate the extraction site, potentially causing complications like dry sockets. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot that should form after removal is dislodged or dissolved before the wound heals, exposing underlying bone and nerves. To avoid dry sockets, you should be careful when eating and drinking for the first few days following your tooth extraction. Eat soft foods like pudding, mashed potatoes, and soups, while avoiding tough-to-chew foods like popcorn, sunflower seeds, or potato chips. You should also avoid using a straw, as the suction action can dislodge the blood clot as well. As your extraction site heals, you can begin slowly incorporating your normal dietary preferences back into your diet.
Take It Easy
Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure that should not be feared. However, it’s important to give yourself time to rest immediately following the procedure. For the first few days, you may experience some pain or discomfort as your mouth recovers from the procedure. It’s important to avoid any strenuous activities or heavy lifting immediately following your procedure. If your tooth extraction procedure included sedation dentistry options like anesthesia, you will likely need to lay down and rest for a few hours following your appointment. We suggest bringing a trusted friend along with you to your appointment so that they can help get you safely home following your procedure.
Schedule An Appointment
Dr. Vernon Sheen of The Annapolis Center for Dental Health & Wellness offers tooth extractions as well as wisdom teeth removal for his patients. For patients of record needing a tooth extraction, please contact our office to schedule a consultation.