What Helps Gums Heal Faster after Extraction?
April 1, 2023When a tooth is extracted by a dentist near you, the process creates a wound in your gums and the alveolar bone. Caring for the extraction site becomes essential because you can become susceptible to severe and painful complications if you don’t care for your gums.
It helps if you know how to care for your mouth before and after tooth extraction. Making inquiries with the dentist performing the extraction before scheduling your appointment to discuss the tooth removal procedure will give you access to information that speeds up your recovery resulting in smooth healing.
You may receive a suggestion from your dentist to have an impacted or severely decayed removed because it is beyond preservation. Tooth extractions involve surgical removal of the tooth under anesthesia, local or general, depending on the condition of the tooth and the complexity of the removal.
Although tooth extractions are relatively straightforward, the initial recovery from the process requires one to two weeks. However, if you adhere to your dentist’s instructions and follow the aftercare regimen suggested, you can speed up your recovery after removing a tooth.
Gum Healing After Tooth Removal
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Pressure on the Extraction Site : after removing your tooth, the dentist in Phoenix places a gauze pad over the extraction site on your gums. The gauze pad helps prevent bleeding to aid blood clot formation. You must bite down on the pad to apply pressure to stop bleeding. If the bleeding doesn’t subside, you can reposition the pad to cover the wound. In addition, you must refrain from talking and try not to disturb the extraction site with your fingers or tongue, sneeze, or cough, as these acts may cause bleeding.
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Pain medications : after undergoing dental surgery in Phoenix, you will likely receive pain medications from the Phoenix dentist for relief from the discomfort you start experiencing as the anesthesia wears off. You may receive a prescription from the dentist, but if you haven’t, you can take over-the-counter painkillers for help. If you have received antibiotics from the oral surgeon, take the medicines as prescribed. Take the first painkiller as soon as possible before the effects of the anesthesia wear off, and complete the dosages prescribed of the painkillers and antibodies as suggested.
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Ice Packs : your cheeks begin swelling after tooth removal. You can use an iceberg over your cheeks to control the swelling. This is because the cold constricts blood vessels. However, you must refrain from using ice packs for over 15 minutes at a time because it can cause tissue damage.
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Rest : you must get plenty of rest without engaging in strenuous activities like exercising or engaging in activities that require bending or lifting heavy objects. While you don’t have to remain bedridden, you must avoid physical activity 24 hours after tooth extraction to support gum healing.
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Cleaning Your Mouth : oral hygiene is essential even after a surgical procedure for removing a tooth. However, you must remain cautious near the surgical site, ensuring you do not use your toothbrush because you can dislodge the blood clot to become a victim of a dry socket, a painful condition needing further visits to the Phoenix dentist for sedative dressings and antibiotics. You must also refrain from using mouthwash brands containing alcohol; instead, use saltwater rinses containing antiseptic properties three or four times daily to rinse your mouth or mouthwash prescribed by dentists to eliminate bacteria and prevent infection.
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Nourishing Yourself : when feeding yourself, do not consider your favorite crunchy and hard foods relying instead on soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, and liquids to ensure you don’t disturb the extraction site and invite infections in your mouth. While you might find it challenging to avoid your favorite foods, the restrictions are temporary and merely in place to encourage faster recovery.
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Chlorhexidine Gel : if your dentist recommends using chlorhexidine gel, the surgical site is ready 24 hours after the procedure for speedy healing. The gel prevents bacteria from accumulating near the extraction site, reducing pain and discomfort. However, you must apply the gel around the surgical area and not in a tooth socket.
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Ice Cream : if you love ice cream, getting a tooth extracted is an ideal time to satisfy your desire by having your favorite ice cream without nuts. However, you mustn’t skip meals or refrain from drinking water to keep yourself hydrated and nourished.
If you care for your gums as recommended by your dentist using the tips mentioned here, you can rest assured you will recover from the tooth extraction procedure within the timeline the dentist said.
If you must have a tooth extracted because of impaction or infection, Brookstone Dental Center routinely performs these procedures on many patients providing sound advice on how to recover quickly after the procedure. Arrange a meeting with them today to discuss your tooth removal procedure and the recovery timeline before committing to the extraction.