Menu

Planning and Preparing for Dental Procedures: Your Questions Answered

About Me

Planning and Preparing for Dental Procedures: Your Questions Answered

Making decisions about your smile can be confusing. Should you have a tooth pulled or get a root canal? Should you get adult braces or stick with a retainer? Should you use at-home whitening remedies or have your teeth professionally whitened? If questions like these are keeping you up at night, you've come to the right place. I used to stress out over routine dental procedures, and as a result, I did loads of research on everything dental-related. To help others, I'm using this blog as a place to collect, review and share what I've learned through the years. I hope you can use the information here to help you plan and prepare for your next dental appointment.

Recovering from a Tooth Extraction: 5 Top Tips

24 October 2022
 Categories: Dentist, Blog

Getting a tooth pulled is no fun, but the good news is that the recovery process is usually pretty straightforward. Below are some top tips to help you recover from a tooth extraction as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

1. Take it easy

Once you have had a tooth extracted, it is important to avoid strenuous activity and excessive mouth movements in order to allow your gums and blood clot time to form and begin healing. Talking or eating hard foods can disrupt healing and cause more bleeding. Additionally, it would help if you avoid smoking or drinking alcohol after the procedure.

2. Apply ice

Applying ice can help to reduce swelling and pain. It is important to use the ice for no more than a few minutes and to wrap it in a towel or a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin. Applying ice several times a day following extraction can help reduce discomfort and speed up the healing process.

3. Take pain medication

Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol can be effective in managing pain. If you're allergic to these drugs or they do not seem to be working, be sure to contact your dentist. There are other pain management options available, and your dentist will be able to recommend the best course of treatment for you.

4. Keep your head elevated

After you have a tooth extracted, it is important to keep your head elevated in order to reduce bleeding and swelling. An easy way to do this at night is to sleep on your back with an extra pillow propping up your head. If you struggle to stay on your back in bed, sleeping in a recliner chair for a while after your extraction can also be effective. Keeping your head elevated will help to ensure that the blood clot that forms at the extraction site is not dislodged.

5. Follow instructions from your dentist

After you have undergone a dental procedure, your dentist will provide instructions designed to ensure a successful recovery. They will likely give you specific diet, mouth care and oral hygiene instructions. You should do your best to follow these instructions carefully in order to promote healing and avoid complications.

Conclusion

Recovery from a tooth extraction doesn't have to be too painful or difficult! Just follow these simple tips and you'll be back to normal in no time. Contact a local dental office today for more information and advice about tooth extractions.