Aftercare Tips for Tooth Extractions

It is essential to practice quality aftercare following a tooth extraction to reduce the risk of oral infection, excessive discomfort, or prolonged healing times. This guide provides insights into the best way to care for your oral health following a tooth extraction procedure.

What to expect after tooth extraction

Tooth extractions cause discomfort and proper oral care is necessary. Symptoms typically last for two to five days, and most patients make a full recovery within a week after the extraction procedure. Notably, patients should expect these symptoms after tooth extraction:

• Minor bleeding
• Swelling
• Minor pain
• Tooth and gum sensitivity
• Soreness

Most post-extraction side effects are minor and tolerable. Severe side effects, such as excessive bleeding, oral infection, and intolerable pain, are rare, but they can occur. Be sure to speak with the oral surgery team if any of these side effects develop.

7 tooth extraction aftercare tips

Your oral surgery team should provide a tooth extraction aftercare plan. Along with specific instructions provided by your oral surgeon, it is important to follow these five aftercare tips to ensure a successful and full recovery following tooth extraction:

• Use a saltwater rinse to keep the mouth clean
• Avoid the use and consumption of tobacco and alcohol
• Control the bleeding with gauze
• Avoid physical activity as much as possible
• Avoid foods that are sticky, tough, or hard to chew
• Follow the surgeon’s instructions for brushing
• Drink water (instead of coffee, tea, and sugar-filled beverages)

1. Use a saltwater rinse to keep the mouth clean

Saltwater solution helps clean the extraction site and promotes fast healing of the affected area. It can also help reduce the amount of discomfort that the patient experiences during recovery. A saltwater rinse should be done several times each day, starting the day after the extraction takes place. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, and swish the mixture around the mouth for 30 seconds.

2. Avoid the use and consumption of tobacco and alcohol

Alcohol slows down the healing process and can lead to increased discomfort. Tobacco may also irritate the affected area. Additionally, alcohol and tobacco may increase the risk of complications, such as an oral infection and excessive discomfort. For the fastest recovery, it is best to refrain from using alcohol or tobacco until a full recovery is made.

3. Control the bleeding with gauze

Gauze is a great way to limit bleeding from the extraction site. Bite down on the gauze as instructed by the oral surgeon. Keep in mind that minor bleeding is to be expected for a short time after the extraction. If severe and uncontrollable bleeding occurs, it is best to contact the oral surgeon to determine the best steps to take.

4. Avoid physical activity as much as possible

Physical activity increases blood flow, which can increase bleeding around the extraction site(s). For this reason, it is best to rest for a few days after extraction and allow the mouth to properly heal. Patients can often return to light physical activity after 48 to 72 hours following the tooth extraction.

5. Avoid foods that are sticky, tough, or hard to chew

Any foods that may irritate the extraction site should be avoided. Tough, sticky, and hard-to-chew foods, such as red meats and candy, can make recovery more challenging if irritation and swelling occur. Instead, focus on soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, and scrambled eggs. Additionally, it is best to avoid using straws until a full recovery has been made.

6. Follow the surgeon’s instructions for brushing

The oral surgery team should provide detailed instructions for the patient's oral care routine. This may involve gently brushing the area surrounding the extraction site or not brushing the affected area at all for up to 72 hours. They may also recommend a special mouthwash to help keep the mouth clean.

7. Drink water (instead of coffee, tea, and sugar-filled beverages)

Water is a great way to wash away bacteria in the mouth. In contrast, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and other dark beverages may increase acidic reactions in the mouth and increase the risk of infection and other oral health concerns after the extraction. Therefore, at least for up to 72 hours, it is best to drink only water.

We make tooth extractions more convenient

Here at our practice, we help our patients recover from tooth extractions properly, reducing the risk of oral infection and minimizing the amount of discomfort that they experience. If you are in need of tooth extraction(s), we encourage you to contact us today and schedule a visit.

Request an appointment here: https://arroyogrande.centralcoastoms.com or call Wilson Oral Surgery at (805) 476-2567 for an appointment in our Arroyo Grande office.

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