Having a tooth removed is an important first step in restoring your oral health. If you’ve lived with the knock-on issues of a damaged or decayed tooth – which often affects your ability to eat, talk, or simply feel happy with your appearance – extraction is the start of something better.
With the problem tooth gone, we know that our patients are keen to get back to normal life as quickly as they can. So, how can you speed up the recovery process if you’ve had a tooth extracteStaying comfortable
In the first few days of recovery, keeping you comfortable is our top concern. Whether you’ve had a wisdom tooth or damaged tooth removed, it’s normal to expect some discomfort and swelling.
The best thing you can do is to follow your dentist’s advice. Before you leave the practice, we’ll offer guidance and tips for minimising pain and supporting the healing process. It’s helpful to take over-the-counter relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen (avoiding aspirin), and to apply a cold compress, such as an ice pack or cold flannel, to reduce any swelling.
Depending on the exact procedure you’ve had, the socket will be covered with gauze, and possibly collagen, which helps to reduce bleeding and promote clotting. This will set you up on a strong footing from the start.
What to eat (and avoid)
In the short term, sticking to soft foods is your best option for protecting the sore area. This is because the delicate blood clot that forms in your socket is easily dislodged, which can lead to a condition called dry socket. Avoiding any hard or sharp foods, and eating on the unaffected side of your mouth, will help to preserve the natural barrier.
Foods like yoghurt, smooth soup, stewed fruit and scrambled eggs are all good options for the first few days of your recovery. As you can manage them, you can also introduce things like soft bread and well-cooked pasta – but do take care that meals aren’t too hot. We also recommend avoiding spicy, sour or acidic foods, as these can be irritating and might make you more uncomfortable.
How to keep the area clean
Keeping the extraction site clean is an important part of healing, but it’s also vital to strike the right balance. Cleaning too vigorously can dislodge the blood clot in your gum, which actually delays the process. For this reason, we advise against using mouthwash or mouth rinses for the first 24 hours after your extraction.
Following on from this, it’s best to stick to gentle salt-water rinses after meals (around 3-4 times a day). Allow the water to swirl slowly around your mouth, avoiding any sucking motions. You’ll also need to take care while brushing your teeth: a smaller child’s toothbrush can be helpful for reducing the brushing area.
Habits to avoid
There’s plenty you can do to promote recovery within your daily habits. Smoking and alcohol both affect your body’s ability to heal, while sucking on a cigarette or vaping device is also linked with dry socket due to the negative pressure it creates within your mouth. For the same reason, try to steer clear of sucking through straws until the wound has healed.
To keep your mouth clean, stick to good oral hygiene practices, brushing gently and carefully at least twice a day. Strenuous exercise and heavy lifting increase your blood pressure and can cause bleeding, so if you have a regular exercise regime, do take it easy for the first 24 hours.
Is there an issue?
We’ve mentioned dry socket already, as this is one of the most common concerns after a tooth extraction. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that naturally forms in the socket is dislodged or doesn’t form properly, leaving the underlying bone and nerves exposed. It can be uncomfortable, but by following the steps above, it’s often avoidable.
However, if you’re worried, it’s best to be sure. So, how do you know if you’re experiencing dry socket?
It’s normal to feel some soreness after an extraction, but if you notice the following signs, do get in touch:
- Severe pain that starts after a few days, which may radiate to the side of your face;
- An empty socket, with visible bone or no blood clot;
- A bad taste in your mouth;
- An unpleasant odour from your mouth.
These symptoms could signal that there’s an issue, but if so, don’t worry. Dry socket is easily treated, and our team is here to help. We’re open seven days a week and can often give you a same-day appointment if you’re experiencing pain. A quick visit to the practice will allow us to clean the area and get you feeling more comfortable.
For us, recovery is a team effort, so we’re here to support you as much as we can – getting you on the road to great dental health. If you have any questions, or need our help, just let us know.