We recommend dental extractions in our Springfield dental office only when all other treatment options will not work because keeping your own teeth is often the simplest solution to protect your smile. When you do have an extraction, however, we will give you the support you need to heal comfortably and quickly.
Here are some tips that will help you heal without complications.
Tip #1 Don’t Smoke
The suction required from to smoke could dislodge your healing tissue and cause painful dry socket. Smoking also increases the time it takes to heal.
Tip #2 Don’t Drink through a Straw
As with smoking, drinking through a straw causes suction and can disrupt healing. If you want a milkshake to make you feel better after your extraction, eat it with a spoon.
Tip #3 Treat the Area Gently
When cleaning your teeth, avoid brushing directly on your extraction site. Instead, rinse your mouth gently with lukewarm water to remove any food particles that found their way into your surgical area.
Tip #4 Eat Soft Foods
Avoid crusty or hard foods for a few days because accidentally chewing on your extraction could feel painful. Plus, you will likely have some jaw discomfort, and softer foods will be easier to eat.
Some good suggestions can include macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and applesauce.
Tip #5 Get ahead of Pain
Pain is easier to control when you get ahead of it. Be sure to take an anti-inflammatory medication before the anesthetic completely wears off. This can reduce both discomfort and swelling, which is common after dental extractions.
It’s important to take good care of yourself after a dental extraction in our Springfield dental office. We will arrange follow-up appointments to make sure you healed properly and to discuss a dental implant or bridge, if necessary.