Dealing with Healing after a Tooth Extraction
Are you worried that a tooth extraction will be a painful procedure? There’s no need for concern about pulling teeth because any mild discomfort you feel as you heal should be gone within a week. Check out this helpful guide on how to deal as you heal.
9 Tips for the First 24 Hours Post-Surgery: Discomfort is typically greatest for the first 12 hours, but pain starts to subside within 24 hours as painkillers take effect and provide toothache relief. Expect tenderness in the tooth socket and some bleeding, swelling, and soreness around the gums. You can aid your recovery by following these tips:
- For the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction you should rest, and then reduce all activities for the next two days.
- Place a pillow under your head when lying down to prevent bleeding.
- To reduce swelling, apply an ice bag to swollen areas for ten minutes at a time.
- Take prescribed pain medication for toothache relief.
- Avoid spitting forcefully to prevent dislodging the protective blood clot from the socket.
- Do not drink with a straw for the first 24 hours.
- After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce your risk of infection.
- Only eat soft foods the day after extraction, adding in solid foods as you heal.
- Stay away from the extraction site when brushing and flossing to reduce the chance of complications.
48 Hours Post-Surgery: Two days after your tooth extraction there shouldn’t be much pain. However, if you feel a sudden, throbbing pain, you could have a condition called dry socket. To get toothache relief and the proper care, you must contact your dentist immediately. Swelling usually peaks at the two-day mark and gradually decreases each day after. Continue to rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and avoid strenuous activities.
72 Hours Following a Tooth Extraction: After three days, bleeding should have subsided, but there may be some residual swelling from the process of pulling teeth. Continue rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater to prevent infection. If you experience severe or sharp pains at this point, call your dentist immediately because you may be experiencing a complication that requires urgent care.
5 Days After an Extraction: Rest assured that most pain and swelling will have subsided by this time. Keep rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater and practicing proper oral hygiene to reduce any risk of infection.
7 Days After Pulling Teeth: At this point, you should have complete toothache relief and be ready to resume your normal activities.
To get the dental care you deserve from an affordable dentist in Springfield, call Gentle Dental of Springfield today at (484) 810-1247 or make an appointment.
Gentle Dental offers affordable family dentistry and gentle, compassionate dental care in Springfield. With 14 affiliated practices in the Greater Philadelphia area, our offices are conveniently located with extended hours to meet your needs. At Gentle Dental of Springfield, we provide most dental services, from basic preventative care and general dentistry to specialized procedures and complete dental reconstruction. We accept most dental insurance plans and offer affordable financial solutions for any budget. Patient satisfaction is our top priority and we strive to provide the exceptional, affordable dental care and personal touch that lead to lasting relationships. A smiling patient is our greatest reward and we look forward to keeping those smiles healthy, beautiful, and bright. Discover an affordable dentist who truly cares at Gentle Dental of Springfield.
