Content

• Steps
• Warning

The tooth after being extracted will leave wounds in the gums and the alveolar bone. Without proper care, the wound can lead to serious complications and pain. Knowing how to take precautions before and after tooth extraction will help keep the healing process going.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Taking care of gums after tooth extraction

1. 

   Bite tightly on the gauze pad. After you have pulled your teeth out, your dentist will place a gauze pad over the wound to stop the bleeding. Be sure to bite the gauze tightly to create pressure to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding is still heavy, you may need to adjust the gauze to position the wound.
   • Do not talk, as this can cause the gauze to loosen, slowing blood clot formation.
   • If the gauze pad starts to get wet, you can change the gauze to another; however, do not change as many times as necessary, and do not spit, as this will interfere with blood clotting.
   • Do not use your tongue or fingers to touch the area where the tooth was originally pulled, and avoid blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing at this time. Increased pressure can cause the wound to bleed again. Avoid placing your hand on the extraction site to keep the affected area from warming.
   • Remove the gauze after 30-45 minutes and look in the mirror to check if the wound is still bleeding.

2. 

   
   
   Take a pain reliever. Use only pain relievers prescribed by your dentist. If your dentist doesn't prescribe pain relievers, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Take an antibiotic prescribed by your dentist.
   • Take the first dose of pain reliever as soon as possible, before the anesthetic wears off. It's best to take the correct dose of prescription pain relievers and antibiotics.

3. 

   
   
   Use an ice pack. Place the ice pack on your face, outside where the tooth was pulled. Ice helps stop bleeding and reduces swelling by constricting blood vessels. Apply the ice pack for 10-20 minutes, then rest for 30 minutes. Always be sure to wrap a towel or cloth over the ice pack, and do not place the ice directly on the skin. You can apply ice for the first 24-48 hours after extraction. After 48 hours, the swelling should be reduced and the ice will no longer provide pain relief.
   • You can use a plastic zippered bag to store your crushed ice or ice cubes if you don't have an ice pack.
   • Avoid placing your hand on the extraction site, as this will heat the affected area.

4. 

   
   
   Use tea bags. Tea contains tannic acid, which helps to form blood clots by constricting blood vessels. Tea bags can help stop bleeding. If you notice bleeding dripping up to 1 hour after the extraction, place a wet tea bag on the extraction site and bite down firmly to put pressure on the bleeding. Hold for about 20-30 minutes. Drinking cold tea may also help, but placing the tea bag directly on the wound will work better.

5. 

   Gargle with warm salt water. Rinse your mouth the morning after the extraction. You can make warm salt water by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt in an 8 ounces of warm water. Rinse slowly and gently so as not to put pressure. Just use your tongue back and forth from side to side several times, then gently spit out the salt water to avoid touching the blood clot.
   • Gargle salt water 4-5 times a day for several days after tooth extraction, especially after eating and before bed.

6. 

   Rest much. Adequate rest will help stabilize blood pressure, facilitate blood clotting and heal. Do not engage in any physical activity for at least 24 hours after tooth extraction, and keep your head slightly higher while lying down to make sure blood or saliva doesn't choke.
   • Try putting your head on two pillows, while not lying on your side to the extracted tooth so that the blood won't stagnate from the temperature rise.
   • Do not bend over or lift heavy objects.
   • Always sit in an upright position.

7. 

   Brush teeth. 24 hours after tooth extraction, you should gently brush your teeth and tongue, but Do not bring the toothbrush near where the tooth was extracted. Instead, gently rinse your mouth with the salt water described above to avoid damaging the blood clot. Do this for the next 3-4 days.
   • You can maintain your regular flossing and mouthwash, but avoid flossing near the extraction site. Use an antibacterial mouthwash or mouthwash prescribed by your dentist to kill bacteria and prevent infection.

8. 

   Use chlorhexidine gel. You can apply chlorhexidine gel to the wound the day after the tooth was pulled to help it heal faster. This can also prevent bacteria from getting near the wound, while also helping to relieve pain and discomfort.
   • Do not apply gel directly to extracted tooth socket. Only apply to the gum area around the site where the tooth was extracted.

9. 

   Apply a warm compress after 24-48 hours. This will help increase blood circulation, speed up the healing process, reduce swelling and reduce discomfort. For 36 hours after extraction, apply a warm, wet washcloth to your face, outside the affected area in batches with 20 minutes of compressing, and 20 minutes of rest.

10. 

    Pay attention to your diet. You need to wait for the anesthetic to dissolve before trying to eat it. Start with soft foods, chewing on healthy teeth. You may also want to eat cold and soft foods, such as ice cream, to soothe pain and provide nutrients. Avoid hard, crunchy, or hot foods; Avoid using a straw as this can dislodge the blood clot from the gums.
    • Eat regularly and don't skip meals.
    • Eat cold or cold food, never warm or hot food.
    • Eat soft and slightly cold foods like ice cream, smoothies, pudding, jelly, yogurt, and soups. These foods are very suitable, especially immediately after tooth extraction, as they help soothe discomfort following the extraction. Make sure not to eat foods that are too cold or hard, and do not chew on the side of the jaw that has extracted teeth. Foods that require strong chewing (such as cereals, nuts, popcorn, etc.) can cause pain and difficulty eating, and even further damage to the wound. Gradually switch your diet from liquid to thicker and finally hard foods after a few days.
    • Avoid using straws. Drinking with a straw will create suction in the mouth, which can lead to bleeding. Sip or sip with a spoon to avoid this problem.
    • Avoid spicy, sticky foods, hot drinks, products containing caffeine, alcohol, soft drinks.
    • Avoid smoking / alcohol for at least 24 hours after tooth extraction.
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Part 2 of 3: Understanding the process of recovering from tooth extraction

1. 

   Know that there is swelling. The gums and mouth will become swollen in response to the extraction, and may hurt. This is normal and should subside after 2-3 days. During that time, you can use an ice pack against your cheek to ease pain, swelling and inflammation.

2. 

   
   
   Know that there is bleeding. After the tooth is extracted, more blood will flow from the tiny blood vessels inside the gums and bones. The blood will not flow too massively or too much, but in some cases, a dentist can sew the wound to help it heal. Then the postoperative gauze will be placed between the teeth and not placed directly on the wound. Ask the surgeon and correct the gauze if necessary.

3. 

   
   
   Do not touch the blood clot. A blood clot will form in the first 1-2 days, and it's extremely important not to touch or remove it. A blood clot is a necessary first step in recovery, and touching or picking up a blood clot can take a long time to heal, even cause infection and pain.

4. 

   
   
   Know that the class of epithelial cells will form. Over the next 10 days, the gingival cells multiply rapidly and form an epithelial layer to fill the empty space of the extracted tooth. It is important not to interfere with this process while the wound is healing.

5. 

   Know about bone deposition. After the epithelium has formed, the bone-forming cells in the bone marrow are stimulated. This process usually begins along the lateral wall of the extracted cavity and gradually progresses into the center. The empty space of the extracted tooth will be completely closed. The cavity-closure bone deposition can take up to a year, but the gums will cover the cavity in just two weeks, and you have nothing to worry about as it will completely heal. advertisement

Part 3 of 3: Taking care of gums before tooth extraction

1. 

   Tell your oral surgeon about your previous condition. You should also let your doctor know about any medications you are taking. These can complicate surgery and cause problems during or after surgery.
   • Diabetics usually take longer to heal after having their teeth treated because the bleeding takes longer. You need to maintain a near normal blood sugar level to help you heal more quickly after tooth extraction, and to let your doctor know about your diabetes status and recent blood sugar test results. Your dentist will determine if your blood sugar is safe for tooth extraction.
   • Patients with high blood pressure should be aware that certain blood pressure medications can cause bleeding gums. Complications can occur if you do not stop taking the medicine before the tooth extraction surgery. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking or have recently taken.
   • Patients who are taking anticoagulants or blood thinners such as warfarin and heparin should notify their doctor before the extraction, as these drugs will interfere with blood clotting.
   • Patients taking birth control pills containing estrogen may experience complications with blood clotting. Tell your doctor if you are taking birth control pills.
   • Some long-term medications will dry out the mouth, leading to infection after tooth extraction. You will need to talk to your doctor before having surgery. Also consult your doctor before changing the type of medication or dosage you are taking.

2. 

   Understand that smoking can cause problems. Smoking is a contributor to gum disease. Furthermore, movement while you smoke can dislodge the blood clot that is essential for the healing process. Smoking can also stimulate sensitive wounds and hinder recovery.
   • If you are a smoker, consider quitting smoking before pulling your teeth.
   • If you are not going to quit smoking, be aware that the patient should not smoke for at least 48 hours after surgery. Patients who have a habit of chewing or "stuffing" tobacco should not use tobacco for at least 7 days.

3. 

   Consult your general practitioner. Informing your general practitioner about the surgery before the extraction can help you avoid potential problems from the medication you are taking or from your medical condition, if any. advertisement

Warning

• If you feel unusual pain a week after a tooth extraction, visit your dentist.
• Do not drink coffee for at least 6 hours after tooth extraction, as the coffee can reduce the effects of the anesthetic.
• If the pain intensifies after 2 days, you should see the dentist right away. This pain may indicate dry cavities.
• Mild bleeding and discolored saliva will occur in the first 12-24 hours after tooth extraction. If the bleeding does not stop for 3-4 hours after surgery, you need to see a dentist right away.
• If you see any sharp fragments of bone, also known as bone sequestra, that are left from surgery, you should notify your dentist. Rebuilding bones is normal, but broken pieces of bone after surgery can be painful, and you need to be removed. Talk to your dentist or oral surgeon if you suspect that there are dead bones left after the extraction.