A permanent tooth may be extracted for a number of reasons including decay, trauma, crowding, and infection. An extraction is sometimes necessary to preserve the health of your mouth. Following your tooth extraction in Carol Stream, IL, the Park Dental Care team will provide you with post-op instructions for your recovery period. The healing process starts immediately after your procedure and can last for 1 to 2 weeks.
Recovery expectations
After your tooth extraction procedure, you will be asked to bite down on gauze to keep pressure on the treatment site. This helps control bleeding so a blood clot can form in the socket. Within a couple of days, soft tissue will begin to form. Bone will also develop and harden over the course of two months.
Tips for healing
Adhere to your dentist’s instructions to ensure a smooth recovery period and healing process. The following tips may help ease your discomfort, reduce the risk of infection, and speed healing:
- Apply ice packs during the first 24 hours after your procedure to help reduce swelling.
- Take pain medication and antibiotics as prescribed.
- Rest and minimize your activity level for the first day or two.
- Drink plenty of fluids after the bleeding has stopped, but drink out of a cup, not a straw.
- Avoid rinsing or spitting forcefully for the first 24 hours so the clot is not disturbed. After that, rinse with a salt water solution.
- For the first day, eat soup, yogurt, pudding, and applesauce. Gradually add in soft foods, but do not chew on hard foods such as carrots or popcorn for 6 to 8 weeks.
- Keep your head propped up when lying down.
- Brush and floss your teeth as normal, but avoid the treatment area for 24 hours.
- Do not smoke.
It is normal to experience some pain, swelling, and bleeding after your procedure. However, if you have persistent severe pain, excessive bleeding, fever, nausea or vomiting, cough, or shortness of breath, please call our office immediately.
For more information on tooth extraction or the recovery period, contact Park Dental Care in Carol Stream, IL. Call 630-556-8880.