Do's and Don'ts After Tooth Extraction

Extraction is recommended when the tooth is damaged beyond repair and can't be saved with restorative treatments. Extraction may also be recommended to remove impacted teeth that are preventing other teeth from growing in properly.

There are a variety of reasons why tooth extraction may be necessary. Trauma, decay, and infection can all cause a tooth to become severely damaged. In some cases, root canal therapy isn't an option if the tooth has extensive decay or is infected.

Aftercare Following Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it is important to follow the instructions provided by your General Dentist in Katy. You may be asked to avoid certain foods and drinks, and you may be asked to take certain medications instead. 

Do's After Tooth Extraction:

• A blood clot will form over the extraction site. To keep the blood clot intact, your dentist may recommend following a soft diet. Stick to foods like applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and soups.
• After tooth extraction, you should apply ice to the area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Then, you should apply warm compresses to the area. You should repeat this procedure until bedtime.

If swelling persists, you can reduce the amount of heat and use an ice pack instead. Just make sure that you don't apply the ice pack directly to the skin as it may cause a cold burn.

• Take pain medication as prescribed. Don't skip your medications. It's crucial to the healing process that you take your antibiotics and pain medications according to your dentist's instructions. It's possible for the socket to heal up improperly if you don't take the medications as prescribed.

Don't's After Tooth Extraction:

• Don't smoke.

Smoking can interfere with your body's ability to heal. It can also lead to dry socket, which can be a painful condition that requires medical attention.

• Don't drink from a straw.

Straws can cause dry sockets. These dry sockets occur when the blood clot in the socket is dislodged and prevents healing.

• Don't avoid brushing your teeth.

After tooth extraction, it's important that you brush and floss your teeth. Failing to do so can lead to painful complications that prolong the healing process.

• Don't skip your follow-up appointment with your Dentist in Katy.

A big mistake is skipping your follow-up appointment. This step is crucial in ensuring proper healing.

• Don't exercise hard.

Getting your exercise in is always important, but you'll want to avoid more rigorous exercise for the first 24 hours after tooth extraction.

Schedule an appointment with Vita Dental if you are considering tooth extraction. Visit us at 1799 N Fry Rd, Katy, TX 77449. Contact us at (713) 766-1208 or visit our website for further information.