Tooth Extraction Aftercare: Your Recovery Guide from Gasior Family Dental
Each patient is different. But in general, it will take between 7 and 10 days for the tooth extraction site to heal. In the meantime, it’s important that you don’t dislodge the blood clot in the tooth’s socket so you can avoid unnecessary pain and return to your normal activities as soon as possible.
In this post, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we get from patients regarding tooth extraction. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our office if you have any questions that aren’t answered here or you’d like more explanation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recovery
How Can I Make My Extraction Site Heal Faster?
It takes time for the body to heal itself after a tooth has been extracted. It’s important that you remain patient during this time and give your body the time it needs to recover. Following your dentist’s instructions will help you heal in a timely manner. But always remember that healing can’t be rushed.
How Do I Relieve Pain After Tooth Extraction?
Take any pain relievers as directed by our dentists. We also recommend applying an ice pack to your cheek for no longer than 10 minutes when you get home. You should not leave the ice pack on for longer than that or you could damage the tissue.
What Foods Can I Eat?
Eat soft foods that require little to no chewing. Some of the below foods are refrigerated, which may be extra soothing while recovering from dental extraction. Avoid using a straw for smoothies.
Here are some of the foods we recommend during the first week of recovery:
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Jello
- Applesauce
- Cottage cheese
- Smoothies (Eat them with a spoon, NOT a straw.)
- Instant oatmeal
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Broths
- Blended soups
In general, avoid foods that are crunchy, spicy, or difficult to chew. Crunchy foods like chips can get stuck in the wound and interfere with your body’s natural ability to heal itself. You should be able to fully return to your normal diet after a week or so, gradually adding more solid foods.
Can I Go to Work After Tooth Extraction?
You won’t be able to return to work the same day that you have your tooth extraction. In fact, you should rest for the first 24 hours after your appointment with us. It’s not uncommon for people to take 2 to 3 days off from work to recover from having a tooth extraction. Recovery time may be longer if you have multiple teeth extracted at once.
How Do You Sleep After Tooth Extraction?
We don’t recommend sleeping flat on your back. Instead, sleep with your head elevated on a few pillows so the fluid has a chance to drain away from the extraction site. This will also help decrease the amount of swelling you experience while recovering from dental extraction.
When Can I Brush My Teeth Again?
Do NOT rinse or spit for 24 hours after dental extraction. For this reason, you should NOT use toothpaste when brushing your teeth. Instead, just wet your toothbrush with water and avoid the extraction site. You may also floss gently while avoiding the extraction site. That way, you don’t dislodge the blood clot.
Once 24 hours have passed, you’ll be able to use toothpaste again. But you should continue to avoid the extraction site for at least 2 to 3 days or until it’s healed enough that you won’t disturb the blood clot. Continuing to remove bacteria helps prevent infection and maintain good oral health.
Learn More About Tooth Extraction
Whether you have an upcoming appointment or plan on caring for a loved one, we hope you found this guide helpful. As always, if you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call our office.
To request an appointment with one of our dentists in Northville, MI, call Gasior Family Dental at (248) 348-7997.