Things to know after tooth extraction
After tooth extraction
For our oral surgeons, even the simplest tooth extraction is treated as a serious intervention, since it disturbs the unity of the body with the outside world: the resulting (bone) wound is located in an area where we live with millions of bacteria even in a healthy state, since we eat, drink, speak and very often come into contact with our mouth. For complication-free wound healing, we must follow some basic rules to ensure the right conditions for the body's defense and healing mechanisms.
What is allowed and what is prohibited after tooth extraction?
Wound healing after tooth extraction, bleeding after tooth extraction
After tooth extraction, do not touch the wound to ensure optimal wound healing. Do not spit or suck on the area, and do not gargle with anything for 24-48 hours after surgery. Bleeding or red discoloration of saliva may occur in the first 48 hours after tooth extraction. If bleeding continues for a long time, bite down on a sterile gauze for 30 minutes (place the swab directly on the wound) to alleviate the bleeding. If that does not help either, ask us what to do next!
Pain after tooth extraction
You can read in detail about pain after tooth extraction and its possible causes here.
Swelling after tooth extraction
Swelling is a completely normal reaction after tooth extraction. To reduce swelling and pain, we recommend cooling the area with an ice pack wrapped in a tea towel and placed on the outside of the face. Hold it there for 10 minutes, then take a break for the same amount of time. Repeat this and ice the area for the first 2-3 days to reduce pain and prevent further swelling. Do not keep the ice gel on your skin for a long time, as tissue damage may occur. In the first 2-3 days, we definitely recommend cooling the area.
To stitch or not to stitch?
In most cases, sutures (stitches) are placed after tooth extraction to close the wound. Depending on the situation, your dentist will decide whether to use absorbable or non-absorbable suture material. Sutures must be removed 7 days after the procedure. We recommend this even if absorbable suture material was used. If you cannot have it removed, keep it free of plaque with a toothbrush!
What to do if signs of infection appear after a tooth extraction?
After a tooth extraction, throbbing pain and infection can occur because there are many bacteria in our oral cavity. This usually happens when a blood clot does not form after a tooth extraction or it breaks open, leaving the wound unprotected. The blood clot (coagulum) is responsible for the healing process. In this case, repeated cleaning of the tooth extraction site under anaesthesia is required.
Can you drink coffee after tooth extraction?
Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid hot drinks and dairy products.
What can you eat after tooth extraction? Recommended meals after tooth extraction
During the first week after the procedure, it is recommended to eat light meals. Avoid beer, raw dairy products (milk, yogurt, sour cream, etc.), nuts and peanuts for the first 6-7 days. Learn more about eating after a tooth extraction here. Get answers to questions about drinking after a tooth extraction here.
How should you brush your teeth after tooth extraction?
Proper oral hygiene is essential for fast and uncomplicated wound healing. Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, but be careful when brushing around the surgical area. Do not rub the wound immediately before suture removal and not until 7 days after surgery. Afterwards, the affected area can be cleaned, use a soft toothbrush designed for surgical procedures.
The correlation between pain after tooth extraction and leisure activities
To avoid an increase in heart rate, do not exercise or do any physical exertion for 1 week after tooth extraction. Sports activities may cause throbbing pain and bleeding.
Heat stimulates inflammatory reactions, so you should avoid sunbathing, sauna sessions and thermal baths for two weeks.
Is smoking allowed after tooth extraction?
Smoking is prohibited for at least 10 days after the procedure.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions after tooth extraction
When can I eat after tooth extraction?
Just like after any dental procedure performed under anaesthesia, you should not eat or drink after a tooth extraction until the effects of the anaesthetic have worn off, or you will bite your mouth, tongue, and lips.
What shouldn't be done after a tooth extraction?
Not smoking after the procedure, not eating raw dairy products, and not sucking the area where the tooth was extracted are the most crucial things to remember. Do not spit or rinse with anything. Keep the area around the extracted tooth clean with a toothbrush and try to eat on the other side even after the anaesthesia wears off.
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