In a perfect world, everyone would keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. Unfortunately, sometimes dental issues arise, making an extraction necessary. Although it’s not ideal, your Ponderay dentist can gently remove your tooth and offer tooth replacement options to meet your needs.
After your tooth extraction, it’s essential to care for the extraction site and pay attention to how your mouth is healing. So, how do you care for yourself and your oral health after an extraction?
Extraction Aftercare Tips
Once your tooth has been removed, follow these tips for faster healing:
Pain management and swelling control – Take any medications your dentist prescribes or over-the-counter pain medication to minimize pain. Place an ice pack on your cheek for 10 minutes if your face is swollen. Remove it for five minutes, and then repeat the process.
Foods to eat and avoid eating – It’s important to drink plenty of liquids and stick to a diet of soft foods. Try eating yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, or broth. Avoid anything hard or crunchy, such as candy or chips. Also, don’t drink alcohol for the first 24 hours after an extraction.
Activities to avoid – Avoid spitting, drinking from a straw, smoking, or slurping liquids. This could dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site. It’s also essential to rest and avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours.
When to call the dentist – If you experience any of the following issues, contact us right away:
- Severe pain at the extraction site
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- Increased swelling at the extraction site
- Nausea, vomiting, or fever
Follow-up care and next steps – Keep any upcoming dental appointments to ensure proper healing. When you visit your dentist, you can discuss tooth replacement options and form a treatment plan.
Questions about Extraction Aftercare in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint?
If you want to discuss what happens after a tooth extraction, our expert dental team will happily assist you! At North Idaho Dental Group, our goal is to provide gentle dental care and detailed instructions on the best ways to heal. You can reach our Sandpoint-area dental office at (208) 255-1255 or our Coeur d’Alene dental office at (208) 667-8282.