Post-Operative Instructions for Tooth Extraction

Blog Post-Operative Instructions for Tooth Extraction

The complete removal of a tooth requires some important post-operative care to avoid any long-term complications or injury.

Certain conditions may call for tooth extraction, including severe cavities, severe gum disease, fractured teeth, impacted teeth, and crowded teeth.

What are the post-op instructions for oral surgery?

It is important after tooth extraction that you develop a blood clot by following post-surgery instructions, which will stop the bleeding in your mouth and begin the healing process until completion with as few complications as possible.

Here are some post-op instructions:

  • Eat soft, easy-to-swallow foods, avoiding foods that can get stuck in the surgical site.
  • Avoid rinsing or spitting within 24 hours after surgery.
  • Avoid touching the surgical site(s) with your fingers or tongue.
  • Apply ice packs during the first 48 hours–20 minutes on, 10 minutes off.
  • For relief of minor discomfort or pain, take Tylenol or ibuprofen according to recommended dosage.
  • Avoid drinking fluids with a straw.
  • Drink plenty of water!
  • Avoid smoking within the first 5 days of your operation.
  • Avoid straining yourself and exercising for 3-4 days after surgery.

What are you not supposed to do after tooth extraction?

To avoid any complications, it is important not to do anything that puts pressure on the surgical site, increases the risk of infection, or irritates it. Resting and allowing your mouth to heal is important, forming the necessary clotting to stop the bleeding and completely seal.

Should I keep gauze in my mouth overnight after tooth extraction?

You should not sleep with gauze in your mouth, as it is unsafe. It can become a choking hazard and prove dangerous to your life.

How long does a tooth extraction take to heal completely?

Tooth extractions may take several weeks to fully heal, but patients typically recover within a few days. The duration of your healing process depends upon the degree of tooth extraction you received and how well you follow post-operation protocol.

Simple extractions take about 3-4 weeks to fully heal, and you can return to normal life within 2-3 days.

Surgical extractions of larger teeth, such as wisdom teeth, typically take longer, even several months, for complete healing. You may have to wait a week or so before getting active again.

When to use toothpaste after tooth extraction?

Dentists typically recommend waiting 3 to 4 days before returning to your normal dental routine, such as brushing your teeth. This requires you to spit, which you should avoid during this time.

Make sure to keep in contact with your dentist with any questions or concerns during your healing process and what you should and shouldn’t do.

How soon can I eat after a tooth extraction?

Wait at least an hour after your tooth extraction before eating anything, only eating soft foods over the next 24 hours. Be sure to avoid hot foods or beverages as well.

How soon can I drink water after tooth extraction?

As with eating, avoid drinking fluids for at least an hour after tooth extraction. Wait at least a week or so before drinking more acidic drinks. Be sure to drink plenty of water, which keeps the surgical site free from infection.

When can I stop worrying about dry socket?

Dry socket is when the blood clot forming at the surgical site doesn’t form properly or gets dislodged, exposing the site, causing pain, and prolonging healing. Until you’ve fully recovered from your tooth extraction, you should keep post-surgery protocol to avoid dry sockets, depending on the degree of your extraction (wisdom teeth may take longer than other types of extractions).

Clean and Safe Tooth Extraction with AZ Family Dental

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