It stands to reason that our Ladera Ranch emergency dentist team is no stranger to tooth extraction. That’s why we’ve put together a few do’s and don’ts to make the whole process easier.
Here’s a few do’s:
You should get plenty of rest after you have a tooth extraction. Not only that, but you need to keep your head elevated on a pillow so the blood clots. Our Ladera Ranch emergency dentist team suggests that you take at least 24 hours before starting to get active again.- After the procedure, you’ll be given a piece of gauze to bite down on. It’s best if you can keep it in place for at least 60 minutes after your tooth extraction. It helps to start blood clotting and to stop the bleeding that’s still going on. If you can keep the gauze in place longer than an hour, all the better. We suggest that you change the gauze once every 30 minutes.
- Ice packs are an excellent tool to help keep the swelling down. In some of the procedures we take on, your cheeks and gums can swell for two or three days after the operation. These ice packs do the best job in the first 24 hours after the procedure.
You should get plenty of rest after you have a Now a few don’ts:
- People should not smoke under any circumstances. However, if you do have that addiction, we strongly recommend that you resist smoking for two days after a tooth extraction. There are chemicals in tobacco that can affect the ability for your blood to clot.
- You should avoid eating solid food for a short time after the tooth is removed. For a few days afterwards, it’s best to only drink liquids and eat soft foods. Mashed potatoes and smoothies are two examples of safe ways you can get some nourishment.
- You should leave the extraction area alone to heal. We understand there is a natural tendency to poke around in the newly created hole, but that can delay the healing process.
We know that losing a tooth can be traumatic. That’s why we are always available to answer any queries you have after this has happened to you. Remember, we are dedicated professionals who do everything in our power to save all of your teeth.
However, there are times when a tooth needs to come out for your overall dental health. A Ladera Ranch emergency dentist knows how to decide which ones have to go.