Tooth Extraction Aftercare: Steps for a Speedier Recovery

While no one relishes having a tooth pulled, sometimes it’s necessary for your overall dental health. An impacted wisdom tooth or a tooth that’s suffered irreparable damage may need to be removed for the good of your oral health. If tooth removal is inevitable, you can count on safe, painless tooth extraction care at Randolph Family Dental in Schertz, Texas. Your aftercare is also important as it will determine how quickly you heal after tooth extraction. Here are some steps you can take to help expedite your recovery.

Steps for a Speedy Tooth Extraction Recovery 

Quality aftercare is key to a speedy, successful recovery, whether you had a simple tooth or surgical extraction. Dr. Fortuna Vardeman recommends the following measures to help you get back on your feet quicker.  

• Make Resting a Priority!
  Tooth extraction can tax your body, even if the procedure is smooth and easy. That’s why it’s important to rest and recuperate from your treatment. Avoid strenuous activities as they can lead to bleeding or impair your healing. Before scheduling a dental extraction, have time to rest afterward. Dr. Vardeman suggests you set aside a few days to rest after this procedure to give your mouth time to heal. 
• Care for the Extraction Site
  Infection is always a risk after a medical procedure like tooth extraction. You can lower the risk of infection by taking good care of the extraction site. One way to keep the extraction site clean is gently rinsing with warm salt water twice or thrice a day, several days after your treatment. A blood clot should form around the extraction site to help with healing. When brushing and flossing, stay clear of the extraction site to avoid dislodging this clot and causing a painful condition called dry socket.
• Take Medications as Instructed
  Dr. Vardeman may prescribe medication to help with your healing, such as an antibiotic to prevent infection or pain pills to keep you comfortable during recovery. Taking these medications as directed can help you have a smoother, easier recovery. 
• Eat a Soft Food Diet
  Plan to eat a soft diet for several days to a week after your tooth extraction procedure. To promote quicker healing, choose foods that are soft and nutritious, such as healthy soups, yogurt, eggs, applesauce, smoothies, and other wholesome foods that require minimal chewing.
• Don’t Smoke or Use a Straw!
  Avoid smoking and drinking from a straw during your recovery, as the pressure from these actions can dislodge the blood clot and cause a dry socket. Smoking can also slow down the healing process, leading to a longer recovery.  
  By following through with the aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Vardeman and our team, you can have a smooth, speedy recovery after tooth extraction. If problems arise, please remember we’re just a phone call away!   
  

Tooth Extraction Care Near Me

To learn more about tooth extraction aftercare, contact Dr. Fortuna Vardeman from Randolph Family Dental in Schertz, TX, at (210) 658-9031.

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