Tooth extraction is a common procedure in adults, and it’s a relatively painless process. The thing to pay the closest attention to is aftercare. When looked after properly, a tooth extraction (or the space that remains) should heal up entirely in 7-10 days. When a care plan isn’t followed, however, problems can arise.

A tooth extraction might be done for a number of reasons. Infections, rot, to make space for an orthodontic procedure like braces, or to repair a trauma that has damaged the teeth are some of the common causes. A dentist will normally apply localized anesthesia in some cases, or general anesthesia in others (for wisdom tooth removal, for example). After the extraction, a clot will form and the patient will be sent home.

The amount of time it will take to heal depends on how well a person takes care of themselves. Here are the Dos and Don’ts to get well soon after tooth extraction.

Dos and Don’ts Aftercare For Tooth Extraction

Do Rest

The body heals best when it is relaxed and not exerting energy toward other things. Laying down, with pillows to prop up the head, and relaxing is the best and most necessary thing to do.

Don’t Fuss Around with the Area

You may want to touch the spot where the tooth once was, or take away the gauze too soon. But the more you can leave it alone, the sooner it will heal. You may have to change the dressing after a few hours but do as little movement around the area as possible.

Don’t Use a Straw

It may be tempting to suck back a smoothie through a straw, but the force of the action can cause damage to the clot when it should be left to heal.

Do Consume Only Liquids/Soft Food

Things like yogurt, pureed soup, applesauce, and yes, smoothies are good because they provide nutrients that help you heal. But make sure they are not too hot or cold and only consume them with a spoon!

Don’t Smoke

Stay away from cigarettes for at least 48 hours after tooth extraction. Not only is the sucking action bad for the fresh wound, but the chemicals in the smoke can affect the clot and make it harder to heal.

Do Use an Ice Pack

Using an ice pack will bring down the swelling and will make the post-extraction healing process more comfortable. Only use for 15-minute intervals through (15 minutes on, 15 minutes off) so that you don’t do damage to the skin.

Don’t Skip Medicine

Keep ahead of the pain and use the medication that the dentist has prescribed. If there is a follow-up appointment, make sure you go. If the pain has become unreasonable, make sure you return to the dentist in case there has been a complication.

If you follow these simple Dos and Don’ts after a tooth extraction, your body should be on its way to healing in no time. It’s a great time to lay back, relax, eat some healthy, nutritious (not too hot) soup, and catch up on that show you’ve been meaning to watch while your body does its thing! If you need any questions about tooth extraction aftercare or looking for a professional south surrey dentist, please contact us.

Nadine Smith

The post What To Do After Tooth Extraction? appeared first on Semiahmoo Dental Centre.

As with any health procedure like surgery, a patient can understandably experience feelings of anxiety and nervousness before going in. The best way to put those feelings at ease is by preparing and knowing what to expect. That’s exactly what this post will aim to do.

We will go over some of the basics of oral surgery and what to expect before, during and after. If you have oral surgery in your future, this will hopefully help put your mind at ease.

Types of Dental Surgery

Oral surgery can happen under a number of circumstances and for a number of conditions. These can include:

• Compounded wisdom teeth and wisdom tooth extraction
• Jaw alignment surgery
• Sleep apnea treatment
• Reconstructive surgery following an injury
• Dental implants
• Biopsies
• Infection and/or root canal therapy

Pre-surgery

No patient goes into surgery without a thorough treatment plan in place (except in an emergency situation, which is rare for oral surgery). Upon appointment with your dentist, you will receive a treatment plan that includes anesthesia options and post-care advice. This will also be the time you can ask any questions so come prepared if there is anything you would like to know.

Pre-surgery is also the time to prepare your home to make sure you have the time and necessities to heal in a timely manner. The more you put into your future comfort before the surgery, the better you will be. This includes making sure your fridge and cupboards are stocked with things you can eat and drink and ensuring you have the proper amount of time booked off work. You will also want to notify the people in your life so they can check in on you. You will likely need to arrange for a ride home (you will not be allowed to drive if you are receiving anesthetic) and it might be a good idea to have someone stay with you for a night or two if you live alone.

Surgery

On the day of the surgery, you should shower, put on clean, comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and don’t wear contact lenses or jewelry. When you arrive for the surgery, you will have time to ask any last questions before you are anesthetized. It’s a good idea to bring some lip chap for after the surgery.

Post-surgery

Once your pre-arranged ride gets you safely home, it’s time to settle in and focus on recovering. It is time to rest and heal. Take the time you need for your body to recover and sleep as much as you feel you need to. Eat or drink nutritiously and don’t push it! If you have followed up appointments to check how things are healing, make sure you get to those and follow the recommendations in your treatment plan. This might include a future appointment to get stitches removed or following a schedule for painkillers.

Oral surgery is always more successful when the patient invests in their healing by following the dentist’s recommendations. No question is off-limits and does take the time to prepare before the surgery takes place.

If you have any questions about oral surgery, please contact us.

Nadine Smith

The post How to Prepare For Oral Surgery appeared first on Semiahmoo Dental Centre.