The post-operative period is crucial since it determines the fate and outcome of the procedure. You must ensure optimal healing and recovery, especially after oral procedures like extractions. Stress, anxiety, and other debilitating diseases like diabetes can alter your speed of recovery after extractions. But with proper care and post-extraction management, you can accelerate healing and quick recovery.
Post-extraction instructions offered by the Easton, MA dentist, and their surgical team help accelerate healing with minimal complications, thereby improving your quality of life.
Define tooth extractions
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure that involves the complete removal of the tooth from its socket. Extractions are performed using special instruments to pull out an infected, mobile, or impacted tooth after administering a local anesthetic to numb the area. While simple extractions can be done by general dentists, complex and surgical extractions are done by specialized oral surgeons.
Post-extraction instructions explained in depth
To prevent delayed healing and post-extraction complications, your dentist may suggest the following instructions:
Use an ice pack
- Apply an ice pack to the exterior of the extraction site in the first 24 hours post-extraction.
- It is advised to keep the pack for 10 to 15 minutes, for 2 to 3 times daily. This helps reduce inflammation.
- After 24 hours, you can discontinue the ice pack and begin applying a warm towel.
Brush carefully
- Use a soft-bristled brush, and gently brush near the extraction site taking care not to dislodge the blood clot.
Avoid spicy foods
- Spicy foods can trigger pain near the extraction site since the active ingredients can irritate the exposed nerves.
- Moreover, the ingredients in spicy foods can disrupt the blood clot leading to uncontrolled bleeding.
Consume a soft diet
- During the first few days (3 to 5 days) after extraction, opt for a soft diet like mashed potatoes, smoothies, yogurt, or pudding.
Prevent dry socket
- Avoid sucking through a straw
- Do not spit forcefully during the initial first week
- Avoid smoking for at least one week since it can interfere with the efficient blood flow to the extraction site
| A dry socket is a painful complication post-extraction which leads to the dislodgement of the blood clot, and socket pain. |
Avoids trenuous activities
- During the first 4 days post-extraction refrain from rigorous sports and physical activity
Take all your medications
- Make sure you take medicines prescribed by your dentist. These may include antibiotics and painkillers to manage infection and pain.
Remember to take care of your extraction wound to ensure optimal healing and smooth recovery.
