After a tooth extraction
You have had a tooth extracted. This decision has certainly been made in order to preserve your health. The doctor will now arrange for an examination in order to carry out the operation gently. Anaesthesia will be individually selected and the doctor will gently extract the tooth. The operation can be either simple or complicated (e.g. removal of a wisdom tooth). 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 a tooth extraction is largely up to you. Following simple rules during the post-operative period will help to speed up the healing of the extraction site and avoid complications.
What to do in the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction
- Press the tampon firmly against the extraction site and keep it there for at least 20 minutes to stop the bleeding. The condition of the tampon should be monitored. If the blood does not stop for a long time, more than 60 minutes, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
- The tampon protects the well until the blood clots. Under no circumstances should you rinse the wound so as not to wash away the clot that has formed, which is a natural protection against infection. Try not to touch the hole with your tongue.
- You can eat when the anaesthetic has worn off, otherwise, you may accidentally bite your cheek or tongue. On the day of the tooth extraction, it is better to choose warm soft food without spices and chew on the opposite side of the jaw.
- Physical exertion and overheating should be avoided. Even shampooing with warm water, not hot water, is preferable to avoid increased blood flow. Otherwise, complications such as bleeding or inflammation of the gum may occur.
What medication to take after surgery
You should strictly follow your doctor’s instructions. Your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent inflammation. The dentist will also be sure to recommend painkillers that you can take to reduce discomfort once the anaesthetic has worn off.
How to speed up recovery after a tooth extraction
- Alcohol can dissolve the protective clot, so it is strongly discouraged for three days after surgery. Especially as antibiotics may be prescribed that are incompatible with alcohol.
- Smoking should be avoided for a day before the tooth extraction and a couple of days afterwards. The fact is that tobacco smoke irritates the mucosa. Together with smoke, infections can enter the oral cavity and cause inflammation.
- Cold compresses may be applied as recommended by your doctor. The cold will constrict the blood vessels, resulting in less bleeding. The compress will help reduce swelling and reduce the risk of inflammation.
- One day after the operation (at the earliest), it may be useful to gargle with decoctions of plants, such as chamomile, calendula or antiseptic compositions (miramystine, chlorhexidine, furacilin solution). Your doctor will tell you how to rinse after tooth extraction.
- It is necessary to brush your teeth in order to remove food particles and bacteria. Only a smaller amount of toothpaste is recommended. It is not allowed to touch the extraction site with the toothbrush, but the neighbouring teeth must be cleaned thoroughly.
Bleeding and inflammation may occur if the clot is damaged.
If the bleeding after extraction of a tooth does not stop for more than one hour, the pain has not subsided for 24 hours or more alarming symptoms occur – bad breath and an increase in body temperature – contact your doctor immediately. He or she will give you clear instructions on what to do in these situations.
Still, have questions? Ask us.
At DMC Tour Dentistry every operation is carried out as gently and safely as possible. We use a unique piece of equipment, the ultrasonic piezo scalpel. It acts only on hard tissues, gums and vessels that are not even touched. It is possible to extract a tooth “in your sleep”. Contact us for a consultation and we will tell you more about the features of tooth extraction at our clinic.