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AFTER-EXTRACTION CARE

Aug 28, 2016 News

By Dr. Neromini Fagu

Dental extractions, also referred to as oral surgery, are usually experienced by most persons in their lifetime. After care plays a significant part in the healing process. It is essential that you follow the instructions from your dentist to avoid any risk of trauma or infection to the site of the extraction.
Different people heal at different speeds after an extraction, but it is important for everyone to keep their mouth and the extraction site as clean as possible, making sure that the socket is kept clear of all food and debris. You should not rinse for the first 24 hours, as this will help your mouth to start healing. After that time, using a warm salt-water rinse will aid in the healing process. The following are some guidelines you should be aware of following your procedure.
CONTROL BLEEDING
It is normal to have bleeding after a tooth extraction but it should not last very long. Many people are concerned about the amount of bleeding. This is due to the fact that a small amount of blood is mixed with a larger amount of saliva, which looks scarier than it is. Heavy bleeding should stop within a few hours of the procedure and slight bleeding may be noticed for up to 24 hours after surgery.
After the extraction your dentist will place a piece of cotton wool or gauze on the extraction site and ask you to apply firm pressure by biting down on it. If the gauze becomes too blood-soaked you may change it but be careful not to disturb the blood clot that is forming at the extraction site. It may be necessary to moisten the gauze if it feels stuck to the tissue by taking a sip of water. Bleeding can also be controlled by biting down on a moist black tea bag. Tea has tannic acid which has been shown to reduce bleeding and assist with clotting.
SWELLING
It is normal to have some amount of swelling after an extraction. You should keep your head elevated with pillows for the first 24 hours and apply an ice pack on the outside of your face. Swelling is usually completely gone within 7 to 10 days. Stiffness in the muscles of the face is also normal and may be noticed for up to 10 days after oral surgery. There may be slight bruising in the cheeks or underneath the jawline, especially in extractions of lower wisdom teeth.
TAKE ALL MEDICATIONS
Pain after oral surgery varies depending on the extent of the procedure, and your dentist may prescribe pain medications to help you manage the discomfort. It is important to follow the instructions for your medication carefully and always consult with your dentist before taking any over-the-counter medications with your prescriptions. If you have been prescribed an antibiotic, always take all of the medication that was prescribed to you, so as to fully prevent infection.
TOBACCO AND ALCOHOL USE
Smoking and alcohol consumption can promote bleeding and delay healing. Smoking may also cause a very painful infection called a dry socket. It is recommended that you avoid smoking for as long as possible, and do not smoke for at least 24 hours after oral surgery. Also, avoid the use of smokeless or chewing tobacco until complete healing has occurred. If you have had an extraction, the pieces from the tobacco may enter the extraction site causing pain and discomfort in the socket.

ORAL HYGIENE
You should avoid any vigorous rinsing and spitting for the first 24 hours after your extraction. You may brush gently, and floss if you can open your mouth wide enough, but make sure you stay clear of the extraction site. You can lightly rinse your mouth with water, but avoid spitting and let the water fall out of your mouth on its own. If you use a warm salt water rinse, tilt your head to let the rinse gently bathe the extraction site.
If you have any concerns about how you are healing you should always contact your dentist.

For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to [email protected].

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