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How to Care For The Extraction of a Tooth
Posted By: ethernum;
Category: Health;
November 3, 2008
Author ethernum;
Tooth extraction is a minor surgical procedure. Odds are that your teen will have to get their wisdom teeth extracted at some point. The care of the extraction afterwards is an important part of the procedure. This will be home care that you should know a few things about to handle it properly. They are not complicated procedures but important ones and these steps will help you and your child to do the best job possible to promote ultimate healing for a few days after the extraction.
1
Anesthetics will be administered at the dentist office before the procedure and the mouth will remain numb for awhile varying on the type of anesthetic received. Be careful not to bite your cheek, lip or tongue while numb. The numbness will subside in a few hours and a pain medication will be given for you to take while recuperating at home. The trick is to not let the pain get ahead of you. Take your medication as directed on a regular basis to avoid a painful recovery. Medication may also be given to prevent infection.
2
You will be given a gauze pack to place on the extraction site for 45 minutes to help control bleeding and help the blood clot to form. Do not chew or suck on the gauze. If you have oozing or bleeding after the pack is removed, apply new gauze. Fold the gauze into a square and place on extraction site. Apply pressure by closing the teeth firmly over the pad for 30 minutes. If heavy bleeding occurs, call your dentist.
3
After the extraction, a blood clot forms in the tooth socket. Limit strenuous activity for 24 hours to decrease bleeding. This is an important part of the healing process. Avoid activities that may disturb the clot such as smoking, rinsing the mouth too vigorously or sucking through a straw. You don't want to dislodge the clot and delay healing so be careful cleaning your teeth near the extraction site. Brush the other teeth thoroughly and rinse lightly. This will help with the unpleasant odor or taste associated with extractions.
4
After an extraction, pain and swelling are normal. Take your pain medication and apply cold compresses to the outside of your face at the point of swelling. Use store bought cold packs or make your own by placing ice cubes into a plastic bag and wrapping it around the area with a hand towel. The general rule is 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for 3 to 5 hours after the procedure.
5
Drink lots of cold, nutritious fluids. Avoid alcoholic drinks, hot or spicy foods or hot drinks. Try soft foods in the days that follow and try to chew on the opposite side of the mouth having the extraction. If extractions were to both sides on the mouth as is common with wisdom teeth just chew extra gently. Rinse your mouth after eating.
6
Rinse with warm salt water. Use half a teaspoon salt in 8 oz. of water. This is important to keep food particles from settling in the socket causing infection. Your dentist may also have you rinse with or apply by syringe, a mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide.
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