How To Recover After Having Your Tooth Removed
Whether you’ve got a decayed tooth or wisdom tooth that needs removing, the tooth removal recovery time and process can be daunting and painful.
Recovery is a crucial phase in the tooth removal process, and understanding it is essential.
This article will cover practical steps to help you recover after a tooth extraction. We’ll provide the necessary information and tips to ensure a smooth and comfortable healing process.
Whether you’ve just had a tooth removed or are preparing for the procedure, this guide will help you on your journey to recovery.
Reasons for Tooth Removal
Dentists prefer to save natural teeth wherever possible. However, other restoration methods, such as fillings or crowns, aren’t enough. If your tooth is so severely damaged or decayed that even a filling or crown won’t save it, removal is the best option.
There are many reasons for tooth removal, including:
Tooth Decay
With one in three Australian adults over 15 having untreated tooth decay, it’s no wonder that tooth decay is the leading reason for tooth removal.
Tooth decay is caused by plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on your teeth. The bacteria on your teeth turn the sugar in food and drinks into acid. When this happens, it can slowly damage your teeth, leading to a cavity (hole) in your tooth.
Tooth decay takes many years to get to the point of tooth removal. This is why six-monthly check-ups are essential for your dentist to monitor your teeth.
In the early stages, tooth decay affects the enamel of the tooth. Once the bacteria and acid wear through the enamel, the inner part of the tooth (dentin) begins to deteriorate.
Once the dentin has gone and the bacteria reaches the centre (pulp) of the tooth, it results in a root canal infection. The tooth can usually be saved through root canal treatment. However, removal is the only option if the tooth is too damaged or decayed.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, especially severe gum disease, is another reason for tooth removal.
There are two stages of gum disease, which include
- Gingivitis is a common and mild gum disease that occurs when plaque builds up on your teeth along the gumline. This stage of gum disease is noticeable when your gums become red and swollen. Good oral hygiene is the best way to treat and prevent gum disease. Gingivitis can lead to a more severe form of gum disease if left untreated.
- Periodontitis is the most severe form of gum disease and occurs when the gums closest to your teeth become weak. If you have periodontitis, your gums may pull away from your teeth, exposing the root, which can lead to sensitivity when eating and drinking specific foods and drinks. When periodontitis gets extremely severe, the bone supporting your teeth can be lost, resulting in teeth falling out or needing removal.
Impacted Teeth
Tooth impaction happens when the growth of one tooth pushes against another. The impacted tooth is, therefore, susceptible to infection, causing red, swollen or bleeding gums.
The most common culprit for impacted teeth is wisdom teeth. In many cases, the wisdom teeth don’t have enough room in the mouth to grow upright, so they grow horizontally towards other teeth.
When teeth are impacted, it’s best to remove them before they cause damage to the surrounding teeth.
Broken or Chipped Tooth
If you have a tooth with a deep chip or broken piece near the gumline, there may not be enough of the remaining tooth structure to place a filling or dental crown.
In these cases, it’s best to remove the tooth.
Overcrowded Teeth
Another reason for tooth removal is to eliminate overcrowding in the mouth.
Tooth removal is also recommended when a patient has to undergo orthodontic treatment and has no room in the mouth for teeth to move and align.
Tooth Removal Recovery Tips
If you’ve recently had a tooth removed or are preparing for the procedure, here are some tooth removal recovery tips to help with the healing process.
Rest
As removing a tooth is quite an invasive process, the best thing to do for the first 48 hours after the extraction is rest.
Dentists recommend that you don’t do any strenuous activities for the first 48 hours, as it can increase the blood pressure in your head and can result in bleeding at the extraction site.
A great way to rest and reduce inflammation at the same time is to elevate your head on a pillow. This will encourage blood flow away from the extraction site, which can help you heal faster.
Eat Soft Foods
The extraction site and your gums will feel tender for the first few days after removing a tooth, so it’s best only to eat soft foods.
Soup, yogurt and mashed potatoes are the easiest foods to eat during the first week after the procedure. If you eat hard foods, you could damage the extraction site, which can slow down the healing process.
Anti-Inflammatory Medication
During the extraction, the site around your tooth will be numb from the anesthetic, so you won’t feel a thing. However, when the anesthesia wears off, you may feel pain and discomfort around the extraction site.
While the pain and discomfort will subside after a few days, you can easily manage it with anti-inflammatory medication.
If the pain remains after five days, it’s best to contact your dentist as there may be an underlying complication.
Keep Up Your Oral Hygiene
After your tooth extraction, don’t stop your regular oral hygiene routine.
You can still brush and floss your teeth; just be careful not to touch the tooth extraction site.
To help prevent infection around the extraction site, after 24 hours, you can start to rinse with saltwater. Continue doing this for one week.
Things To Avoid After A Tooth Removal
After getting a tooth removed, it’s essential to take care of the extraction site to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection or complications.
Here are some things to avoid after a tooth removal.
Touching the Extraction Site
Avoid touching the extraction site with your fingers or tongue, as it can introduce bacteria and slow healing.
Spitting or Rinsing Vigorously
For the first 24 hours after the procedure, avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously or spitting forcefully, as this can dislodge the blood clot that forms and can lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
Instead, after 24 hours, you can gently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater. Instead of vigorously rinsing, put the saltwater in your mouth and tilt your head from side to side. And instead of spitting it out, open your mouth and let it drain naturally.
Drinking Through a Straw
Sucking on a straw can create negative pressure on your mouth and may dislodge the blood clot, leading to dry socket.
It’s best to avoid drinking through straws for at least the first few days.
Eating Solid, Hard Foods
As the wound begins to heal, the last thing you want is for it to reopen, and eating hard foods will do just that.
After your extraction, you should avoid foods such as nuts, meat and sugary, chewy foods.
Some of the easiest foods to consume after a tooth extraction include soup, yoghurt, smoothies and mashed potatoes.
Smoking or Consuming Tobacco Products
If you’ve been wondering, “Can I smoke after tooth removal?” The answer is no.
Like sucking on straws, sucking on a cigarette can dislodge the blood clot and lead to complications or an infection.
It’s best to avoid smoking and consuming any tobacco products for at least a week after your tooth extraction.
Chewing on the Side of the Extraction
For the first few days, while your mouth is healing, it’s best to avoid chewing on the side of your mouth where the extraction site is.
Doing this can prevent any accidental damage or irritation to the extraction site.
Get Tooth Removal and Replacements at Admire Dentistry
If you have a chipped or broken tooth, painful wisdom teeth or severe gum disease, you may need a tooth extraction.
At Admire Dentistry, our experienced and passionate dentists are here to help reduce your pain and discomfort.
If you’re unsure if you need a tooth removal, book an appointment with our friendly team. Your dentist will examine your mouth and discuss the best solution with you.
Extraction may be the best option if your tooth is too damaged or decayed for a filling or dental crown. Regardless of the state of your teeth, our dentists are ready to help you smile again.
