Your tooth extraction procedure is complete, and your recovery journey begins now. Following these simple aftercare instructions is the most important thing you can do to ensure a smooth, comfortable healing process and prevent complications. This guide will walk you through what to do and what to expect for a speedy recovery.
The First 24 Hours: Protecting the Blood Clot
This is the most critical period for your recovery. A blood clot will form in the empty socket, and protecting it is your number one priority as it is the foundation for healing.
What to DO:
- Rest: Plan to rest for the remainder of the day. When lying down, use extra pillows to keep your head elevated to help reduce bleeding.
- Bite on Gauze: Keep firm, gentle pressure on the gauze pack over the site for about an hour. Replace it if it becomes soaked.
- Use a Cold Pack: Apply a cold pack (wrapped in a thin towel) to your cheek for 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off, to help minimize swelling.
What to AVOID:
- Do Not Spit or Rinse Forcefully: This can dislodge the crucial blood clot. Let saliva drain from your mouth naturally.
- Do Not Use a Straw or Smoke: Any suction movement in the mouth can pull the blood clot out of the socket.
- Do Not Drink Hot or Alcoholic Beverages: Hot liquids can dissolve the clot, and alcohol can interfere with the healing process.
Managing Pain and Swelling
It’s normal to experience some pain and swelling after an extraction. Here is how to manage it:
- Pain Management: Take your prescribed pain medication on schedule, preferably before the local anesthesia wears off completely. This helps you stay ahead of any potential discomfort.
- Swelling Management: Continue using a cold pack on your cheek intermittently for the first 24-36 hours. Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and typically peaks around the second or third day before it starts to subside.
Diet: What to Eat and Drink
The most important part of your recovery is protecting the blood clot in the extraction site. Chewing hard or crunchy foods can easily dislodge this clot, leading to a painful complication. For this reason, a temporary diet of soft foods is not just a suggestion—it’s a critical step for a fast and pain-free healing process.
Recommended Soft Foods:
- Lukewarm soups
- Smoothies (eaten with a spoon, no straw)
- Yogurt or applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
As you begin to feel better, you can gradually reintroduce semi-solid foods. For the first few days, be sure to avoid anything that is hard, crunchy (like chips or nuts), spicy, or extremely hot, as these can irritate the healing wound.
Oral Hygiene: Keeping the Area Clean
Keeping your mouth clean is essential to prevent infection, but it must be done gently. Starting 24 hours after the procedure, you can begin to gently rinse your mouth with a warm salt water solution (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) 2-3 times a day, especially after meals. You may resume brushing your other teeth, but be extremely careful to avoid the extraction site for the first few days.
Warning Signs: When to Call Your Dentist
While some discomfort is normal, you should contact your dentist immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Heavy, uncontrolled bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying pressure with gauze.
- Severe, throbbing pain that starts 2-4 days after the procedure and is not relieved by medication. This can be a sign of dry socket, a potential complication after a wisdom tooth removal.
- Swelling that gets worse after the third day.
- Fever, chills, or redness, which could indicate an infection.
Conclusion
A smooth recovery after a tooth extraction is a team effort between your dental professional and you. By carefully following these instructions, you are taking the best possible steps to ensure a fast, comfortable healing process. Remember that Unicare Clinic is your partner throughout your recovery; we are always here to support you and answer any questions you may have about your complete guide to dental care in Bali.
WE’RE HERE TO SUPPORT YOUR RECOVERY
If you have any questions or concerns during your healing process, please do not hesitate to contact our team of dental professionals. Your comfortable recovery is our priority.
For an appointment or to ask further questions, our 24/7 hotline is your best first contact:
Call / WhatsApp: +62 822-9829-8911
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much bleeding is normal after an extraction?
Some light oozing for the first 24 hours is normal. Heavy, continuous bleeding that soaks through gauze quickly is not normal and you should contact your dentist.
What is a “dry socket” and what does it feel like?
It’s a painful complication where the protective blood clot is dislodged from the socket. It’s characterized by a severe, throbbing pain that usually starts 2-4 days after the procedure.
I’m a smoker. When is it really safe to smoke again?
You must avoid smoking for as long as possible. As health authorities like the NHS strongly advise, smoking creates suction that can cause a dry socket and the chemicals in smoke severely delay healing. A minimum of 72 hours is recommended, but longer is better.
My stitches are coming loose. Is this normal?
If you have dissolvable stitches, it’s normal for them to start coming loose and falling out on their own after a few days to a week. If you’re concerned, you can always call the clinic.
When can I start eating normal food again?
You can gradually reintroduce semi-solid foods after a few days, as comfort allows. Avoid chewing on the extraction site until it feels well-healed, typically after about a week.
How do I brush my teeth without disturbing the extraction site?
You can and should brush your other teeth as normal, being extremely gentle and careful around the area next to the extraction site. Do not brush the site itself for the first few days.
There is a white-ish layer forming in the socket. Is this an infection?
In most cases, a white or yellowish layer is healthy granulation tissue, which is a normal part of the healing process. Pus from an infection typically has a foul smell and is accompanied by worsening pain and swelling.
When can I go back to the gym or surfing?
You should avoid any strenuous activity for at least 3-4 days to prevent an increase in blood pressure, which could cause bleeding at the extraction site.
Is it okay to drink alcohol a few days after my extraction?
It is best to avoid alcohol for at least 72 hours, especially while you are taking prescription pain medication, as it can interfere with the medication and delay healing.
What are the best foods to eat during the first few days?
Cool, very soft foods are best. Think smoothies, yogurt, applesauce, lukewarm soups, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs.
