Tooth extractions are a type of oral surgery in which a tooth is removed from your mouth to prevent further oral health damage. Crowded teeth, advanced tooth decay, and wisdom tooth impaction could all require this type of procedure.
You should take precautions while you heal from this surgery to prevent dry socket. This can occur when a blood clot becomes dislodged from the extraction site. Dr. Joseph Thompson, a dentist in Greeley, CO, offers three tips to avoid this painful condition after a tooth extraction.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
One of the most important tooth extraction aftercare guidelines that your dentist will provide is to maintain good oral hygiene practices. Promptly removing plaque build-up from your teeth and gums lowers your risk for oral infections and other complications.
You will have to brush your teeth carefully near the surgical site so that you do not disrupt the blood clot. Your dentist may also suggest rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash to further sanitize your mouth during this healing process.
Avoid Suction Through the Mouth
The muscle movement and flow of air that occurs when your mouth performs a sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot at the surgical site and cause dry socket. For this reason, you should avoid the use of straws for at least one week after your tooth extraction.
You should also stop smoking while you heal because the inhalation creates a similar concern regarding the blood clot. You might want to reduce tobacco usage in the days leading up to your surgery to prepare for this abstinence.
Eat Soft Foods
You may notice soreness in your mouth as the anesthesia wears off, so soft-textured foods may feel more comfortable to eat. They are also a great option because hard, chewy, or sticky foods can damage or get stuck in the blood clot.
Yogurt and applesauce are prime examples of foods that a patient can enjoy with ease after a tooth extraction. You may be ready to eat more solid foods the day after your procedure, but you should revert to soft foods if you experience any pain.
Contact Your Dentist for Details in Greeley, CO
Thompson Advanced Dentistry provides tooth extraction procedures and other general dental services for patients in Greeley, CO. Dr. Thompson also specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 970.205.9614.