Following tooth extraction, especially if you underwent a surgical removal, you will have questions about how the procedure will affect your activities in the days after the removal. Well, you are not alone because many people have the same concerns.
The dentist performing tooth extractions in your area provides after-care instructions to take you through the first day and the night after the tooth extraction process. However, it would help if you remained determined to follow the instructions tailored to help you heal safely and without complications.
The Procedure for Tooth Extraction Matters
Many people need simple extractions on visible teeth lying above the gum line. These processes are straightforward and require local anesthesia injected into the gums before the dentist loosens the affected tooth with elevators and extracts it with forceps.
Surgical extractions are common for impacted wisdom or broken teeth below the gum line. The removal procedure is more complex in surgical extractions requiring local anesthesia besides sedation to calm you. First, the dentist must cut open your gums to expose the tooth and bone covering it. Next, the dentist must remove the bone, if any, and the impacted tooth splitting it into pieces if required.
Dental professionals place gauze over the extraction site asking you to bite on it to apply pressure to prevent bleeding and help in blood clot formation. They recommend changing the blood clot every three to four hours soon as you notice the gauze is saturated with blood. Besides the above, the dentist recommends taking care of yourself by following the instructions to ensure a smooth and easy recovery.
What Can I Eat in the First 24 Hours after Tooth Extraction?
Surgical tooth extractions require you to care for the surgery site and ensure you don’t allow food particles or debris to remain trapped near the area. Therefore dentists restrict you from having crunchy and complex foods that require biting and chewing. Instead, they recommend soft foods like fruit smoothies, low sodium broth, or supplemental nutritional drinks. In addition, you can include soft foods like applesauce, yogurt, ice cream without nuts, soups, et cetera. Please do not assume you can use a straw to suck the liquids because it encourages dislodging the blood clot. Therefore you must have the food with a spoon to care for the extraction site.
How Should You Sleep after Tooth Extraction?
The dentist instructs you not to jump into your regular activities for at least a couple of days, depending on the severity of your condition. Therefore even as you prepare to rest, you might express concerns about whether the post-surgical discomfort will allow you a good night’s rest. However, if you embrace the right approach, you can sleep well even after getting a tooth surgically extracted.
Start your preparation by taking the prescribed medications as the anesthesia starts wearing off and causing pain in the mouth. The medicines prescribed by the dentist can help get a good night’s rest if taken as instructed.
Choosing an Appropriate Position
The tooth extraction site oozes during the initial stages after removal. Try sleeping on your side to counter this problem because it is the best position for the first night. If you lie on your back, the position might exacerbate swelling, increase your pain, and make resting a challenge.
Elevate Your Head
You must elevate your head when sleeping for the first few nights after surgical tooth extractions. If you sleep on your side, a single below is sufficient. If you have trouble falling asleep in the position, you can use extra pillows behind you for support and lean back.
The Day after the Extraction
The day after tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to brush and floss your teeth but remain careful near the tooth extraction site to ensure you don’t disturb the blood clot. Do not consider using store-bought mouthwash brands because they contain approximately 20 percent alcohol harmful to the extraction site. Instead, use a saltwater mouthwash to rinse because it has antiseptic properties.
Do not consume alcohol or smoke for at least 48 hours after tooth removal. If the pain from the extraction doesn’t subside after 72 hours, contact the dental office for help because it might indicate infections in the mouth that need prompt treatment.
Tooth extractions, whether simple or surgical, are standard and performed on many patients by Family Dentistry, providing appropriate after-care instructions for recovery without complications. If you must have a tooth extracted, we suggest scheduling an appointment with this practice for the removal.