A tooth extraction isn’t necessarily a pleasant experience, despite your dentist’s efforts to make you more comfortable. And while you may be at ease during the procedure, the pain settles in after you get home. That dull ache can command your attention and make it difficult to eat or drink.
To help you cope and recover from a tooth extraction, we’ve put together these tips and insights you can follow.
Take Some Time to Rest After Your Tooth Extraction
One of the biggest mistakes people make following a tooth extraction is to get right back to work and/or engage in strenuous activity. That can aggravate any inflammation and pain you’re experiencing due to the tooth extraction. It can also increase the blood pressure in your head and cause bleeding at the surgical site.
That’s why you want to schedule some downtime following a tooth extraction. It is crucial to get adequate rest after your tooth extraction. Don’t engage in strenuous activity, and don’t do things where you have to lift heavy objects or bend over.
Instead, rest your head in an elevated position on a pillow. That allows the lymph and blood to flow away from the area of the surgery, and that will reduce inflammation and help you heal faster.
Eat Nutrient-Rich, Soft Foods Following the Extraction
Your body will heal faster if you give it the nutrients it needs. That’s why you want to eat nutrient-rich foods. Avoid snacking on hard, crunchy, or chewy foods since they’ll cause irritation.
Stick with healthier food options for the first several days after your procedure. Smoothies, blended soups, yogurt, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs are great.
Cold Therapy and Over-the-Counter Medications
You can expect some swelling following a tooth extraction. Swollen gums can last for up to a week following your procedure. Extensive swelling can slow the healing process and extend your recovery time.
You can manage swelling by applying cold packs to the side of your face where the tooth extraction occurred. Apply the pack for 15 minutes at a time. The cold will slow blood flow to the area and help to numb the pain.
Most of the time, cold therapy is effective only for the first 48 hours following the procedure. You can also manage discomfort and swelling with over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Of course, follow your dentist’s instructions.
Call Us for More Information!
At Grand Avenue Dental, we’re passionate about your oral health. So if you need a tooth pulled or any other dental care, call our office today. We’re happy to answer all your oral healthcare questions!
