Dental procedures sound scary, and something like a tooth extraction sounds especially dramatic and irreversible. But treatments such as this are necessary to avoid complications in the future. Helping to prevent problems like infections, crowding teeth, wisdom tooth impaction, or pain. But mostly, to ensure that your dental health would be in its optimal condition for the long-term.
Tooth Extraction in Houston
For a tooth extraction to proceed, the case must be evaluated by a professional first. After the expert determines that the dental extraction is really necessary, a simple procedure would come to happen. This procedure is not painful, since the area would be numbed, and the removal could take about an hour–more or less.
Being a simple procedure, its recovery doesn’t take much, however it still requires care and following some recommendations to ensure a satisfactory healing. That’s why here you have are 5 tips for a great recovery after a tooth extraction in Houston.
5 Tips for a Great Recovery After a Tooth Extraction in Houston
1. Take Your Medications
Your dentist may prescribe some medicine to take after the tooth extraction, like pain relievers and antibiotics. Make sure to take the medications as prescribed, following the instructions and recommendations to ensure that your recovery would go smoothly.
Read more: Do you really need a tooth extraction in Houston? Key signals to look for.
2. Get Sufficient Rest
Getting enough rest is always recommended, but it's particularly important when your body is recovering. In this particular case, keeping your head elevated when sleeping or resting is suggested to guarantee the formation of the blood clot, but also to reduce pain and swelling. Be careful and avoid sleeping on your stomach, or side–especially the side where the tooth was removed, since this could cause bleeding and pain.
Also, avoid extenuating activities, like exercising or lifting heavy things, because it would increase the blood flow and cause bleeding, moreover it could interrupt the formation of the blood clot.
3. Reduce Swelling After Your Tooth Extraction in Houston
Inflammation is normal during the first couple of days after the tooth extraction, and is usually nothing to be worried about. To reduce swelling you can use an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth or towel, that you’d put on your cheek–on the side of the extraction, for about 15 minutes, after this, retire and repeat as needed through the day, with 20 minutes of rest.
4. Keep the Appropriate Hygiene
Dental hygiene is always something important to pay attention to, but it becomes particularly significant after a procedure such as this. So, make sure that you brush and floss your teeth, gently and carefully, mainly in the surrounding area where the tooth removal was. Making sure that you won't hurt or damage the clot. Don’t rinse your mouth the first 24 hours after the extraction, especially avoid rinsing it with mouthwash that contains alcohol.
Also, avoid touching and poking the area of the tooth extraction with your tongue, since this muscle could damage the blood clot or impede its formation, risking a dry socket or other complications.
5. Eat Soft and Healthy Foods
After a tooth extraction your diet must consist mainly of soft and healthy foods, to assure that the blood clot won’t be damaged, and have a fast recovery without complications.
Some examples of food to eat during your healing process are:
- Broths.
- Blended soups.
- Mashed potatoes or vegetables.
- Scrambled eggs.
- Smoothies.
- Yogurt.
- Pudding.
- Apple sauce.
- Jell-o
- Ice cream.
After a tooth extraction avoid the next things:
- Hard, crunchy and chewy foods and snacks.
- Hot drinks and foods.
- Acid foods and drinks.
- Drinking from a straw.
Learn more: Eating with dental partials: tips for a smooth transition.
When to Call Your Dentist in Houston After a Tooth Extraction?
After a tooth extraction, healing can take several days. The first day after the removal mildly swelling and bleeding are normal. But, if after 24 hours of the tooth extraction you present any of the following, contact your dentist:
- Unbearable pain.
- Too much bleeding.
- Excessive swelling.
- High fever.
- Nausea and vomiting.
Ready for That Tooth Extraction With Experts in Houston? Contact Gulfton Smiles!
At Gulfton Smiles in Houston our dentistry professionals are the right team if you suspect that a tooth extraction might solve the cause of your discomfort. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us to solve that, and prevent any possible major issues in the future related to your oral health.
To enjoy a happier and healthier smile, schedule a consultation with us by calling at (713) 541-3013 or using our online booking tool.
