The removal of a tooth could be suggested by your dentist for a variety of different reasons. Some require their wisdom teeth removed because they cause discomfort or get in the way of orthodontic treatment. Others require dental work done because they have cavities.

Tooth extractions are performed at the dentist’s office under general or local anesthesia. This will depend on the condition of the tooth as well as the complexity of the procedure. While pulling teeth is not a complicated procedure, it may take another week or two to recover completely. A prescribed program of follow-up care can speed up recovery.

What to do following tooth extraction?

Are you anxious about having a tooth pulled? Although having a tooth extracted might seem like an unimportant dental procedure, aftercare is equally as crucial just as the process itself. If you are a dental patient, it is essential to understand that with the proper measures, you’ll be able to reduce your discomfort and your risk of infection, so follow these suggestions.

1. Get Adequate Rest

Tooth extraction and root canal in Saskatoon procedures might not appear as a significant procedure; however, it’s still surgery. Sleep well and rest after your extraction to allow the site heals. If you’d like to prevent the blood from constantly flowing and forming clots, keeping your head as upright as possible is vital. Any activity that elevates the blood pressure in your head, like bending over and lifting large objects, should be avoided after surgery to prevent excessive bleeding.

2. Manage Swelling and Inflammation

The swelling following surgery for the oral cavity can take up to a whole week, and it is at its highest around the third day after tooth extraction. If you experience swelling beyond the normal range could slow down the healing process and extend the time it takes to get better. 

If you experience a slight swelling, bruising, discomfort, or bleeding around the gums or cheeks, you can address it with the use of pain relievers available over the counter and an ice pack. Reduce the puffiness by applying an ice compress to the face area for 15-minute intervals. Alongside reducing inflammation and pain, it also helps to numb the area. It can also help if the procedure is done by a reputable facility like Wheatland Dental, to give you tips and aftercare for the surgery.

3. Eat Healthy, Soft Diet

A nutrient-rich diet promotes cell renewal and wound healing. If you want to keep the empty tooth socket from inflamed, you should avoid eating anything crunchy, complex, or chewy while you heal. Saving the soft tissue around the surgical site is essential, and a soft food diet is a fantastic way to accomplish that. If your mouth is irritable, try eating soup stew, mashed potatoes, and yogurt. Be sure to drink plenty of water. However, avoid cold or hot drinks.

4. Maintain Oral Hygiene

While you shouldn’t scrub or floss this area for up to two days after extraction, you can get rid of food debris and prevent infection by rinsing your mouth with the saltwater solution made by dissolving a teaspoon of table salt in an ice-cold cup. Smear the solution over your mouth first thing in the morning, before getting ready for bed, and after meals. 

Make sure you keep up your routine of brushing and flossing your teeth. To protect the socket of your teeth from inflaming, you shouldn’t use any mouthwash containing alcohol. If your looking for a reputable dentist, you can type in “watrous dentist” in your search bar for the best results.

5. Avoid Smoking and Using Straws

Negative pressure develops in your mouth whenever you smoke or drink via straws. This pressure could dislodge the blood clot formed in the tooth’s socket. Should the blood clot has removed, there is the possibility that you will suffer from a painful health issue known as a dry socket. Dry sockets can lead to severe injuries, jaw bone degeneration, and nerve injury.