Dental procedures often make people feel nervous, but with our skilled and experienced dentists by your side, you can rest assured you’re in caring and capable hands. Our dentists are here to alleviate anxiety, relieve discomfort, and restore your smile to its full health––before, during, and after dental procedures.
Many of our patients wonder what to do after a dental procedure, like a tooth extraction, and how to manage bleeding and swelling. We invite you to continue reading to learn more, or you can call us for more information.
What Exactly Does a Dental Procedure Involve?
When we refer to a dental procedure, we mean any treatment that involves removing, manipulating, or cutting oral tissues, including tooth structures and gum tissue. One of the most common dental procedures is a tooth extraction, which means the dentist removes the tooth.
Some bleeding and swelling are common with dental procedures such as this, but our dentists will do everything we can to ensure your experience is pleasant, painless, and stress-free. Plus, your dentist may suggest scheduling your procedure for when you have days off school or work so you can get plenty of rest afterward. With tooth extractions and oral surgeries, we ask that patients have a designated driver to take them home after their procedure safely.
Is Bleeding and Swelling Normal After Tooth Extraction?
Slight bleeding and swelling is expected. After the procedure, we will place gauze over the area to stop the bleeding. Swelling is a normal bodily response to trauma, so it's typical when you have a dental procedure like a tooth extraction. Two or three days after the surgery, the swelling peaks.
A simple tooth extraction will likely have minimal swelling. A complex tooth extraction or multiple extractions may have significant swelling; this is common when dental work involves soft oral tissues like the gums. Patients might have swelling around the face, cheeks, and mouth. However, if swelling and bleeding continue without stopping or are severe, please get in touch with your dentist immediately for assistance.
Tooth Extraction Recovery and Care
Postoperative care can mean the difference between achieving a successful outcome and having another oral health problem that requires professional care. For example, good oral hygiene is essential for preventing bacteria and infection, especially after surgery when you're more at risk for complications.
However, brushing and flossing must be done with the utmost attention and care because you can accidentally irritate the surgical site, resulting in more damage. Patients must follow their dentist's instructions to reduce swelling, discomfort, bleeding, and potential complications like dry socket.
What Is Dry Socket?
After a tooth extraction, the body naturally begins to heal by forming a blood clot over the area where the tooth was removed. If the blood clot dissolves or gets dislodged before the wound heals, it exposes the underlying dental nerves and bones, resulting in dry socket.
Dry socket can be very painful, and it can occur three to four days after an extraction. The primary symptom is pain, but you might also notice bad breath. Studies show the importance of reducing any contact with the surgical site to avoid dry socket. These studies also specifically indicate that smoking, rinsing, and strenuous activity must be avoided for at least 24 hours after a tooth extraction.
Treatment for dry socket typically involves flushing the area and taking pain relievers. Please call our Northborough dentists for assistance if you have dry socket after a tooth extraction.
Dos and Don'ts After a Tooth Extraction
It's important to prepare ahead of time and make plans for your recovery. Your dentist will go over details of what to expect before, during, and after your dental procedure. However, if you need further guidance, our team is always available to help you and answer your questions.
Here are some tips for what to do and what to avoid after a tooth extraction:
- Keep your mouth clean and gently rinse with salt water. Avoid brushing and flossing near the surgical site.
- Apply a piece of sterile gauze on the surgical site to control bleeding.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers and prescribed medications as directed by your dentist.
- Avoid strenuous activity for at least 24 hours after surgery.
- Place ice packs on your cheeks or face to reduce swelling.
- Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously, spitting, or using a straw for 24–72 hours after the procedure.
- Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol for 24–72 hours after the procedure.
- Elevate your head and keep your head above your heart. When lying down, prop your head with several pillows to alleviate the swelling.
- Eat soft foods or consume a liquid diet, like yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, room-temperature soups or broths, and mashed bananas.
Preventive Dentistry in Northborough, MA
Are you looking for a "dentist near me?" Children's Dentistry of Northborough offers gentle, stress-free treatment for dental emergencies in Northborough, MA.
Though we specialize in treating children's oral health needs, we also welcome adults to our Northborough, MA, dental office. This means your family can visit the same compassionate and experienced team in one convenient location. Call us today to schedule your appointment or if you need help with a dental emergency.
We look forward to caring for your smile!