A visit to the dentist is often associated with an unpleasant experience, especially when there is a problem
The disease is so severe that the tooth has to be removed. The stress associated with the mere thought of this procedure contributes to our absent-mindedness and the desire to leave the dentist's office quickly, which reduces our attention to the dentist's recommendations on what to do after tooth extraction. These recommendations are very important because the wound healing process will depend on our actions.
Following the tips below will certainly speed up the healing of the wound and our recovery.
- To stop the bleeding, bite the tampon placed in the wound for about 30 minutes. Constant pressure will stop bleeding and cause a clot to form more quickly. After this time, the tampon should be removed without rinsing the wound with water.
- You should not drink or eat anything for at least 2 hours after tooth extraction, so as not to irritate the fresh wound and wash out the clot that effectively protects the wound. Moreover, the anesthesia used may still work, causing sensory disturbances. Without feeling the lips or tongue, which is the case with conduction anesthesia, we can easily injure ourselves or bite ourselves.
- Cold compresses should be used to minimize swelling and pain. You can use dry ice (sometimes obtained in the office after the procedure), freezing compresses available at pharmacies, or plain ice wrapped in a towel.
- Within 24 hours after the procedure, you should eat cool food and even cold ice cream. Avoid drinking hot drinks and eating hot foods. Warming the wound may increase bleeding. To avoid irritating it, avoid hard foods.
- You should not smoke cigarettes for at least two days. Cigarette smoke has an adverse effect on the wound, it prevents the formation of a clot, which prolongs the healing process. Then the so-called A dry socket that is very painful and the wound cannot heal.
- You should not rinse your mouth with mouthwashes within 24 hours after extraction. Vigorous rinsing can remove the clot protecting the wound, which will prolong the healing period. After this time, it is best to use gentle herbal rinses that have a disinfecting and astringent effect, such as sage.
- During the healing process, you should take special care of your oral hygiene. Please remember that saliva combined with food is an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, which may cause inflammation in the wound. Only on the first day after the procedure should you not brush your teeth so as not to damage the wound. In the following days, you should pay attention to the wound and clean your teeth thoroughly. Often, a gray-white coating forms on the wound. It should not be removed because it is healthy tissue - fiber, from which new gums are formed.
- After the anesthesia wears off, painkillers can be used. It is best to choose those that also have anti-inflammatory effects, e.g. Ibuprofen, Pyralgina. If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, use it as recommended, even after the symptoms disappear. If the pain persists for several days, you should go for a check-up.
- With surgical extraction, minor bleeding may persist for several days. Cold compresses help then. However, if the bleeding does not stop over time, you should see a doctor immediately.
- If the wound required stitches and they were placed, they should be removed within 7 to 10 days of insertion.
The author of the entry is: manager Marta Niemiec-Fiutowska