After tooth extraction
You have been assigned a tooth extraction. This decision, of course, was made in order to preserve your health. Now the doctor will prescribe an examination to perform a gentle operation. Anesthesia will be individually selected, and the doctor will carefully extract the tooth. The operation can be both simple and complex (for example, wisdom tooth extraction). If necessary, stitches are applied. After the operation, the hole is closed with a sterile gauze swab, which is changed several times.
The recovery process after tooth extraction largely depends on you. Following simple rules during the postoperative period will help speed up the healing of the hole and avoid complications.
What to do on the first day after tooth extraction
- The applied tampon should be pressed tightly against the hole and held for at least 20 minutes to stop the blood. It is necessary to monitor the condition of the tampon. If the blood does not stop for a long time, more than 60 minutes, do not delay to consult a doctor.
- The tampon reliably protects the hole until the blood clots. In no case should you rinse the wound, so as not to wash the formed clot, which is a natural protection against infections. Try not to touch the hole with your tongue.
- You can eat when the anesthesia is over, otherwise you may accidentally bite your cheek or tongue. On the day of tooth extraction, it is better to choose warm soft food without spicy spices and chew on the opposite side of the jaw.
- Physical exertion and overheating should be avoided. Even washing your hair is better with warm water, not hot, to avoid increased blood flow. Otherwise, complications may occur — bleeding or inflammation of the gums.
What medications should I take after surgery
It is necessary to strictly adhere to the doctor's instructions. He may prescribe you an antibiotic to prevent the occurrence of an inflammatory process. The dentist will also definitely recommend painkillers that you can take to reduce discomfort after the anesthesia has passed.
How to speed up recovery after tooth extraction
- Alcohol can dissolve the protective clot, therefore, it is strictly not recommended to use it within three days after the operation. Moreover, antibiotics that are incompatible with alcohol may be prescribed.
- Smoking should be stopped the day before tooth extraction and for a couple of days after. The fact is that tobacco smoke irritates the mucous membrane. Along with the smoke, infections can enter the oral cavity, which will provoke inflammation.
- It is possible to use cold compresses on the recommendation of a doctor. The cold will narrow the vessels, as a result, the bleeding will decrease. A compress will help reduce swelling and reduce the risk of inflammation.
- A day (not earlier) after the operation, rinsing with decoctions of plants, such as chamomile, calendula, or antiseptic formulations (miramistin, chlorhexidine, furacilin solution) may be useful. What to rinse after tooth extraction, the doctor will tell you.
- Be sure to brush your teeth to remove food particles and bacteria. Only the amount of toothpaste is recommended to be reduced. You can not touch the hole with a brush, but the adjacent teeth should be thoroughly cleaned.
If the clot is damaged, bleeding and inflammation may occur.
If the blood after tooth extraction does not stop for more than an hour, the pain does not go away for a day or there are more alarming symptoms — the presence of an unpleasant odor and an increase in body temperature, contact your doctor immediately. He will give clear instructions on what to do in such situations.
