The Do's and Don'ts After a Tooth Extraction

Whether your tooth had to be extracted due to a cavity that was too large for a filling or due to an impacted wisdom tooth, it's important to understand the post-extraction do's and don'ts. With proper care and follow-up instructions from your Rock Hill dentist, you can quickly recover and get back on your feet with minimal side effects. ‍

In this article by Carolina Emergency Dental, we'll walk you through the basics of what to do or not do after a tooth extraction. So buckle up and let’s get started!‍

How Long Does it Take For a Tooth Extraction to Heal?‍

Generally, a tooth extraction takes about a week to ten days to heal. However, in some cases where the mouth has experienced trauma or infection, it may take longer for complete healing to take place. That's why it's important to familiarize yourself with what is safe and what isn't during the healing process. ‍

The Do’s After a Tooth Extraction‍

Make Sure You Get Plenty of Rest ‍

After a tooth extraction, it’s important that you rest for at least 24 hours and avoids strenuous activities for at least 48 hours. When the body is at rest, the clotting process happens more quickly and becomes more stable. Getting ample rest also helps reduce inflammation and allows your body to focus its energy on the healing process.‍

Drink Fluids‍

Another important thing to remember after a tooth extraction is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Drinking fluids will also help replenish any lost blood and provide essential nutrients needed for your recovery. ‍

Put water on the top of your list as it's hydrating and has essential electrolytes that are required for proper healing. You can also supplement your water intake with other clear liquids like herbal tea, broths, or juices.‍

Alleviate swelling‍

Swelling around the extraction site can increase pain and slow down recovery time if not managed properly. To alleviate swelling, apply an ice pack to the facial areas near the extraction site for 15 minutes every hour until the swelling begins to subside. You should also take medications prescribed by your dentist—such as Ibuprofen—to help reduce inflammation and manage pain levels during this time period.  ‍

The Don’ts After a Tooth Extraction‍

• Don't Eat Solids Immediately After Your Extraction: Eating hard or crunchy foods too soon after tooth extraction can cause the wound to open up and cause pain and swelling. Stick with soft, liquid foods like soup and smoothies for at least the first few days after your procedure. ‍

• Don’t smoke: Another thing you should steer clear of after having any of your teeth extracted is smoking as it can increase your risk of dry sockets. A dry socket is an incredibly painful condition that occurs when nerves become exposed due to lack of clotting. ‍

• Don't Drink Alcohol or Carbonated Drinks - It's also important to stay away from alcohol or carbonated drinks since they cause inflammation and make clotting difficult. ‍

There you have it; following this guide will ensure that you make a full recovery with minimal discomfort or irritation during this time period!‍

Carolina Emergency Dental‍

If you or someone you know needs a tooth extracted in Rock Hill, SC, our experienced dentists here at Carolina Emergency Dental led by Dr. Hysa and Dr. Shamah can provide safe and effective care. Don’t take any chances! Contact us and make an appointment today.