Undergoing a tooth extraction is no one’s favorite pastime, but it needs to be done if a tooth is damaged beyond repair, is crowding other teeth, or has a periodontal disease to the extent that its gum tissue and supporting bone have eroded.
The office of Concho Valley Endodontics treats a wide spectrum of issues that involve teeth and gums. Keeping all aspects of your mouth healthy is as important to us as it is to you. We know the significance of excellent oral health care, and all of our patients are given as much time and attention as they need.
If you ever need a tooth removed, your endodontist will certainly give you post-extraction instructions. Here are some directives to expect.
If the hole wasn’t closed with stitches, the gauze that the endodontist placed in the gap must stay there for a few hours so a blood clot can form. After that, you can switch out the gauze as often as needed. You will also have to avoid rinsing out your mouth because not doing so could disrupt the clot’s formation and extend your healing time.
You’ll also need to:
Rest for at least 24 hours following the removal.
Elevate your head while lying down.
Not spit or use a straw; doing so could disrupt the clot.
Shun alcohol and hot liquids.
Try to not blow your nose or sneeze.
Not use tobacco or vape products for at least three days.
Place an ice pack on your check for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to lessen or minimize swelling.
After the third day and beyond, heed these easy precautions to ward off other problems until your gum has completely healed.
Kill bacteria by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water or a saline rinse.
Keep up your normal brushing and flossing while avoiding the extraction site and the tooth (or teeth) next to it.
Eat healthy foods that require very mild chewing, such as yogurt, soups, scrambled eggs and soft fish. Don’t even consider foods such as steak, hard candy, nuts and celery.
Call your endodontist right away if your residual pain and/or gum swelling get worse instead of better; the blood in the socket isn’t clotting; you feel acute pain that has traveled to your ear; the wound drainage tastes or smells nasty; you feel feverish, nauseated or are vomiting.
At the office of Concho Valley Endodontics, we are passionate about treating all endodontic aspects of your dental health. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment.
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