Tooth extraction doesn't have to be stressful, especially when you have an excellent dental team. It's also helpful when you know and understand what to do to make the recovery process smoother. So, today, we have some helpful tips to take you through the recovery process after a tooth extraction in Vienna.
Immediately Following Surgery
It will take some time to manage the bleeding after oral surgery, and you'll do this by biting down on a gauze strip and frequently changing it until the bleeding stops. You will also want to manage pain after the surgery with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.
Get plenty of rest, giving yourself time off from your normal daily activities. It's best to avoid exercising or vigorous activity for at least 72 hours after oral surgery. Also, avoid activities like drinking through a straw or smoking cigarettes for at least 72 hours. The sucking motion of those activities can dislodge your blood clot and prolong your healing process.
Eat soft foods for the first few days after surgery. Consuming foods at room temperature will help ensure that you don't irritate the surgical site. Here are some suggestions:
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
- Smoothies
- Soup
One to Two Days After Surgery
Pain and bleeding should be subsiding by this point; contact our dentists if it's not. Continue managing your pain with medication. Stick to eating soft foods and being gentle around the extraction site.
It's essential to maintain your home care routine throughout your recovery. Brush your remaining teeth normally, just carefully brushing around the surgical site. Do not brush the site directly.
One to Two Weeks After Surgery
After the first few days, you should feel well enough to resume your normal activities and begin exercising again. Most patients find that they're completely healed around two weeks after surgery.
If you have questions about tooth extraction or other treatment procedures, contact our team at (703) 442-0770. We've got you covered, from preventive care to laser dentistry in Vienna.