All You Need to Know About Tooth Extraction
(Part 3)
We continue our discussion about tooth extractions with the things you need to do if you get your teeth pulled.
While tooth extraction is typically safe, this can lead to bacteria entering your bloodstream due to your open mouth wound.
Aside from dry socket, you also risk infecting your gum tissue with bacteria. If you have a pre existing condition that puts you at risk when it comes to severe infection development, it may be a good idea to take antibiotics before and after tooth extraction.
Furthermore, before getting the tooth pulled out, it is best to tell your dentist about your complete medical history, including any conditions you might suffer from such as heart ailments, asthma, and any allergies.
Make sure to tell your dentist about the supplements and medications you are taking.
Dentists need to be informed if you have one of the following conditions:
a) Congenital heart defect
b) Liver disease (cirrhosis)
c) Impaired immune system
d) History of bacterial endocarditis
e) Damaged or manmade heart valves
f) Artificial joints, such as a hip replacement.
After a tooth is pulled, the dentist will send you back home to recover.
The recovery time may last for a few days barring complications. In order to have a speedy recovery, minimized pain, dry socket as well as other infection types, a patient should do the following:
1.) Take your prescription painkillers as recommended by your dentist.
2.) Don’t drink beverages from a straw for the first 24 hours after extraction.
3.) Don’t smoke after getting your tooth pulled because that inhibits the healing process.
4.) Regularly replace your gauze before they become soaked with blood and saliva.
5.) After 24 hours have passed, rinse your mouth with a solution composed of 8 ounces of water per ½ teaspoon of salt.
6.) To reduce bleeding and a clot to form in the tooth socket, bite gently but firmly on the gauze pad given to you.
7.) You can leave your gauze pad on the extraction area for 3-4 hours after extraction is through barring excessive blood soakage.
8.) As you lie down on your bed, elevate your head up with your pillows.
9.) Relax for a whole day or 24 hours immediately after the procedure.
10.) Make sure to apply an ice bag—about 10 minutes at a time.
We will continue with other recommendations to help people recover faster after a tooth extraction in our next issue.