HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TEETH AFTER AN EXTRACTION

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The initial healing period after an extraction usually takes one to two weeks. You will likely experience some swelling for the first 48 hours. To keep your mouth comfortable after having an extraction, follow the tips below:

• The anesthetic given for your comfort leaves your lips, teeth and tongue feeling numb after the appointment. Avoid chewing for 4-8 hours following surgery or until the numbness has completely worn off.
 • Some discomfort after the extraction is normal. An over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, is usually sufficient.
 • Do not take pain medication on an empty stomach to avoid feeling nauseous.
 • Apply an ice pack (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to decrease pain and swelling for the first six hours following the extraction.
 • The blood clot that forms on the extraction site is crucial for the healing process. In order to keep the clot intact, refrain from touching the extraction site with your tongue or fingers. Do not drink liquids through a straw and do not spit vigorously.
 • Do not rinse your mouth the day of the surgery.
 • Avoid smoking and allowing food particles to pack into the tooth's socket as both actions will significantly affect the process of healing.
 • Twenty-four hours following the procedure, rinse your mouth carefully with a warm saltwater solution (dissolve one teaspoon of salt with one cup of warm water). Gently swish the solution around the affected area, and spit carefully. Do this two or three times a day for the week following the extraction.
 • Continue taking the antibiotics prescribed to you for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone.
 • Relax yourself and avoid any strenuous activities for the first 24 hours following surgery.
 • Nourishment is important to the healing process. Eat soft foods like yogurt, soft soups, ice cream or soft-cooked eggs once the numbness has worn off on the day of surgery.
 • Drink at least eight large glasses of water or diluted fruit juice each day.
 • If bleeding persists, you can also bite gently but firmly on a moist tea bag for 20 minutes. Be sure to call our office (https://www.reason2smile.ca/contact-us)if bleeding continues or increases.
 • Ensure that you brush and floss the other areas of your mouth as you would normally.
 • The space left by the tooth will feel a bit strange to you at first. Eventually, new bone and gum tissue will grow into the gap left by the extraction.

TIPS FOR A COMFORTABLE RECOVERY

PERIODONTAL DISEASE