There are several reasons people have to get a tooth removed. It may be caused by several oral implications such as tooth decay irreparable with a filling, gum disease, or crowding of teeth.
Having a tooth extracted may be the last thing you want to hear from your dentist. We all know it is sometimes a lengthy and painful process, and we just want to get it over with. The healing process varies per patient depending on the type of extraction that was performed.
Teeth can be extracted in various ways depending on their condition – simple tooth extraction and surgical extraction. Generally, it will take 5 to 7 days for initial healing. And to fully heal the bone beneath the gum it may take up to 30 days.
Aftercare tips for faster recovery
After extraction, the first 48 hours are the most crucial and need utmost aftercare. Here are some aftercare tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure to rest for at least a day
- Do not rinse the mouth to avoid clearing the forming clot
- Do not remove the gauze applied by the dentist after a few hours
- Avoid drinking hot liquids and alcohol
- Keep away from smoking after the procedure
- Take the prescribed pain reliever by the dentist
- Apply an ice pack for several minutes to reduce swelling
Patients should also remember to rinse with saline or warm salt water after three days. This will help remove and prevent bacteria from building up in the tooth extracted area. During this period they should also eat soft foods like soups and yogurts.
If you are still experiencing recurring pain, do not hesitate to contact your dentist. Here at Crossroads Family Dentistry, we ensure that our patients receive proper care and guidance throughout the extraction process to provide the best dental services.
To learn more about tooth extraction or to schedule an appointment, contact us at (719) 596-3481.