If you have had a tooth extraction recently or expect to have one soon, it is a good idea to be prepared and informed about the healing process involved with this treatment.
Here are some tips and tricks to put you on the path to a speedy recovery after an extraction.
Prioritize Wound Care
Give your body time to heal. Keeping your wound clean and protected allows it to heal quickly and effectively.
For at least an hour after the procedure, bite down on a gauze pad firmly to help your blood clot and seal the wound. Change this pad regularly to keep it clean and free of excess blood.
Be Mindful of Your Diet
Eat soft foods until your wound is healed. It’s a good idea to avoid crunchy foods, like cereal or chips, for a few weeks to avoid food debris entering your wound and contaminating the site.
Yogurt, applesauce, and hearty soups are your best options. Protein smoothies are a great way to get micro and macronutrients without having to put unnecessary pressure on the extraction area.
Avoid Straws and Smoking
Straws pull fluid into the mouth using suction—but that same suction can also dislodge a newly formed blood clot, causing you to re-open the wound. Avoid using a straw for the first 24 hours.
Smoke passing through the mouth can dry out your soft tissues. Your wound should remain moist to encourage proper blood flow and quick healing. Drink lots of fluids and avoid smoking until your tooth extraction site is completely healed.
Expedite your healing process with proper aftercare and begin your tooth replacement process as soon as possible. Call us today if you have further questions or to make an appointment with our team of specialists.