5 things to do after your tooth is extracted

BURST Oral Care2 minutes read

Change the gauze after tooth extraction when soaked, ice the area to reduce swelling; follow prescribed medications, avoid specific activities for 24 hours, relax, and maintain a soft diet to aid healing and recovery.

Insights

  • Replace the gauze post-tooth extraction when soaked, folding it to encourage clot formation, and use ice intermittently to minimize swelling.
  • Adhere to medication instructions, refrain from spitting, rinsing, smoking, or using straws within 24 hours to protect the clot, and prioritize relaxation and a soft diet to support healing, while maintaining oral hygiene in other areas for optimal recovery.

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Recent questions

  • How should I care for my mouth after a tooth extraction?

    After a tooth extraction, it is important to change the gauze provided by your dentist once it becomes soaked, folding it in three to allow a clot to form in the socket. Ice the area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to reduce swelling immediately after the procedure. Follow prescribed pain medications, avoid spitting, rinsing, smoking, or using straws for 24 hours post-extraction to prevent clot dislodging. Relax to aid healing and maintain a soft diet for a few days. Brush and floss other areas of the mouth to promote overall healing and recovery.

  • How long should I ice the area after a tooth extraction?

    After a tooth extraction, you should ice the area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to reduce swelling immediately after the procedure. This process can help alleviate discomfort and promote healing in the extraction site.

  • What should I avoid doing after a tooth extraction?

    After a tooth extraction, it is important to avoid spitting, rinsing, smoking, or using straws for 24 hours post-extraction to prevent clot dislodging. These actions can disrupt the healing process and lead to complications. It is crucial to follow these guidelines to ensure proper healing and recovery after the procedure.

  • How can I promote overall healing after a tooth extraction?

    To promote overall healing after a tooth extraction, maintain a soft diet for a few days to avoid putting pressure on the extraction site. Additionally, brush and floss other areas of the mouth gently to prevent infection and promote healing. Following these steps can help ensure a smooth recovery process and reduce the risk of complications.

  • When should I change the gauze after a tooth extraction?

    After a tooth extraction, you should change the gauze provided by your dentist once it becomes soaked. Folding it in three will allow a clot to form in the socket, aiding in the healing process. By changing the gauze as needed, you can help ensure proper clot formation and promote healing in the extraction site.

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Summary

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Proper Care After Tooth Extraction

  • Change the gauze provided by your dentist after tooth extraction once it becomes soaked, folding it in three to allow a clot to form in the socket; ice the area for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off to reduce swelling immediately after the procedure.
  • Follow prescribed pain medications, avoid spitting, rinsing, smoking, or using straws for 24 hours post-extraction to prevent clot dislodging, and relax to aid healing; maintain a soft diet for a few days, brushing and flossing other areas of the mouth to promote overall healing and recovery.
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