Tooth Removal Recovery Tips

Is it getting increasingly challenging to flash those pearly whites because of tooth or gum pain? It could be a sign of various dental issues such as gum disease, tooth decay, severe tooth infection, trauma to your teeth or gums, crowded teeth or even an impacted wisdom tooth. 

Chances are your dentist will recommend a tooth removal but don’t fret because it is more common than you think. 

Here at Wyndham Dental, we understand the worry and anxiety surrounding tooth removal. The thought of it may seem daunting, making you want to skip visiting the dentist and manage your pain in whatever way possible, especially if you have dental anxiety. 

But trust us when we say we’ve got your back – performed under a local anaesthetic, we make it our highest priority to make sure you experience minimal discomfort while you are in our dental chair. 

Now, let’s talk about tooth removal recovery. After the extraction, your mouth needs some TLC to heal properly, meaning there will be some downtime. We’ve got some tooth removal recovery tips to get you back to smiling and feeling like yourself in no time! 

1. Get Enough Rest!

Rest is always important for our bodies, and guess what? It becomes your best friend post-tooth extraction, especially since you might experience a drop in energy levels after the procedure. 

It’s one of the first things your dentist will emphasise and for good reason because resting allows your body to recuperate faster and better. Avoid any and all strenuous physical activities like heavy lifting or intense exercise for at least 48 hours after tooth removal to prevent dislodging the blood clot forming over the extraction site. 

Pro tip: keep your head slightly elevated on a pillow to encourage blood flow away from the extraction area and reduce swelling. 

So, kick back, catch some Z’s, or watch those movies that have been on your watchlist forever. 

2. Soft Foods For The Win

When it comes to eating after tooth removal, solid and hard foods are a big no-no because they can cause injury to the extraction site, delaying recovery. For that reason, it’s important to stick to soft foods like: 

• Blended soups
• Yoghurt
• Smoothies 
• Oatmeal 
• Mashed potatoes 
• Scrambled eggs 

At the same time, make sure to steer clear of: 

• Sticky and chewy foods such as meat, gummies and toast. 
• Crunchy and hard foods like nuts, hard candy and popcorn. 
• Spicy and acidic foods like paprika, hot sauce and citrus fruits. 
• Food and beverages that are very hot or cold. 

Now, you may wonder when you can return to your regular diet, right? You can do so after about 3-4 days post-extraction by slowly reintroducing solid foods into your diet. 

If you stick to these dietary recommendations, You will be able to enjoy your favourite meals in no time. 

3. Manage Your Pain 

Once the numbing effect of the local anaesthetic wears off, you might feel some pain and discomfort after the extraction. Now, there’s nothing to worry about because it’s quite normal, and this pain should go away in a couple of days. 

In the meantime, you can keep the pain at bay with over-the-counter pain medication, as instructed by your dentist. You can also alleviate the pain and reduce swelling by applying a cold compress or ice pack to your face over the tooth extraction site – 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. 

4. Avoid Smoking 

Smoking after tooth extraction spells nothing but trouble. It’s associated with post-extraction complications like delayed healing, higher risk of infection, increased pain levels and compromised gum health. 

But wait, that’s not all! Smoking can also dislodge the blood clot forming over the extraction site, which is crucial for proper healing. When that happens, it can leave you with severe pain, bad breath, fever and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. 

So, do yourself a favour and avoid smoking for at least 3 days post-extraction. The longer you stay without smoking, the smoother your recovery and overall health will be. 

5. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential for proper healing after tooth extraction. Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which can then slow down the healing process. Water can also help wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth and also prevent a dry mouth. 

However, a word of caution – avoid drinking carbonated drinks or alcohol as they can irritate the extraction site and cause further complications. And avoid using straws immediately after the procedure because the sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot forming over the extraction site. 

6. Don’t Put Your Oral Hygiene Routine On Hold

Having your tooth removed doesn’t mean you can slack off on your oral hygiene. Once 24 hours have passed, you can resume your normal brushing and flossing routine while being gentle around the extraction site to allow the blood clot to form properly and avoid aggravating any soreness. 

Hold off on rinsing your mouth aggressively for the first day after tooth extraction. After that, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep it clean and free from nasty infections. 

7. Visit the Dentist Regularly

Just because you got your painful tooth removed doesn’t mean you can skip out on regular dental visits. Why? Because avoiding follow-up appointments can put you at risk of developing avoidable complications. 

When you visit us, we will keep an eye out for your recovery and healing progress and intervene if any issues arise. You can also raise any concerns or questions about your recovery and the next steps, such as replacing your missing tooth. 

Tooth removal doesn’t have to be a headache. It’s a routine procedure we perform at Wyndham Dental and with the tooth removal recovery tips we’ve shared, managing pain and discomfort is manageable. 

Want a healthy and pain-free smile after tooth removal? Take good care of your oral health after extraction, and you will be well on your way. Contact our friendly team at Wyndham Dental today to ensure a smooth recovery and to learn more about tooth replacement solutions, such as dental implants!