In the heat of the moment, you might not be thinking about the potential repercussions of being locked in an underground bunker with your loved one and a stranger who’s seemingly hell-bent on making your life miserable. If they don’t think you’re weird first. In any case, it probably won’t be long before there are tooth extractions aftercare to be seen, splinters to be found, and mouths to be checked for cavities.
What is Tooth Extraction Aftercare?
The term “aftercare” is often used in the medical industry to refer to the things you should do after receiving treatment. In this case, it refers to the medical procedure performed on the tooth itself — namely, the act of extracting it from the gum. Tooth extractions aftercare will vary from person to person, which is why it’s important for you to consult with your dentist about your specific needs. Even so, there are some things you can expect from this type of aftercare.
Tooth extractions aftercare will generally involve a mix of the following:
– Pain management. Your dentist will likely prescribe you antibiotics to prevent infection tooth extractions aftercare. They might also give you painkillers to take care of any discomfort you might be experiencing.
– Stabilizing the bleeding. Your dentist might apply pressure to your gum or use a styptic pencil to stop the bleeding. They could also apply a fluoride varnish to help seal the wound.
– Wound care. Your dentist will likely apply a protective cap to the extraction site. They might also prescribe you an antibiotic ointment to keep infection at bay.
– Instructions for aftercare. Your dentist will tell you how often to clean the extraction site and what to do when you notice signs of infection. They might suggest that you avoid certain foods or drinks for a certain amount of time.
– Taking care of the remaining teeth. Your dentist will likely suggest that you take special care of the teeth surrounding the extraction site. This includes avoiding chewing on that side as much as possible.
Why Do You Need Aftercare for a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is not a walk in the park. The act of pulling a tooth out of the gum tissue can cause some serious damage, not to mention the risk of infection that’s associated with the procedure. That’s why you’ll want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to take care of the tooth after it’s been removed.
Tooth extractions aftercare for a tooth extraction is important because it allows you to treat the extraction site and protect yourself from infection. It’s also important to make sure that you’re taking care of the teeth around the extraction site so that they don’t become damaged.
How to Take Care of a Tooth After It’s Been Pulled Out
Since we’ve already covered some of the basics o f tooth extractions aftercare, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty of what you should be doing after your tooth has been pulled out. As we mentioned, your dentist will likely prescribe you antibiotics to take care of the extraction site. This is mainly to protect yourself from infection, but it could also help with pain management. Your dentist might also prescribe you a painkiller to take care of any discomfort you might be feeling after the tooth extraction.
Your dentist will likely apply pressure to your gum or use a styptic pencil to stop the bleeding. They could also apply a fluoride varnish to help seal the wound. Your dentist might apply a protective cap to the extraction site. They might also prescribe you an antibiotic ointment to keep infection at bay. Your dentist will also give you instructions for aftercare, including how often you should clean the extraction site and what to do when you notice signs of infection.
Mouth Guards and Flossing
After the tooth extraction, you might be told to avoid certain foods and beverages during a certain timeframe. If that’s the case, make sure you follow those instructions carefully. Avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the tooth was extracted as much as possible. Beyond that, you should also be sure that you’re taking care of your remaining teeth by using a mouth guard.
A mouth guard can help to protect your teeth from getting damaged when you’re playing sports or engaging in any other activities that put you at risk for injury. You might be able to find a mouth guard at your local drugstore, but you should also talk to your dentist about your options.
Oral Creams and Ointments
It’s important to note that while you should certainly follow your dentist’s instructions for aftercare, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for healing a tooth extractions aftercare site. Everybody heals at different rates and will have different aftercare needs. That’s why it’s crucial for you to check in with your dentist regularly and report any signs of infection or discomfort.
That said, there are some things you can do to speed up the healing process, including using an oral cream or an oral ointment. These products can help to soothe the extraction site and protect it from infection. Keep in mind that these products typically come with a list of warnings and instructions. Make sure you read the label carefully before using them.
References:
1-Primary wound closure after tooth extraction for prevention of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients under denosumab
Publishing Date: 29 February 2016
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-016-1762-y
2-Tooth extractions in hemophiliacs
Publishing Date:23 October 2008
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0300-9785(75)80052-4
