What is a tooth removal?

Removal of a tooth, is a relatively common procedure for adults, even though their teeth are meant to be permanent. Here are a few of the reasons someone may need to get a tooth removed:

• tooth infection or decay
• gum disease
• damage from trauma
• crowded teeth

 Though aftercare may differ based on the type of tooth removal and location of your tooth, you can usually expect to heal in a matter of 7 to 10 days. It’s important to do what you can to keep the blood clot in place in the tooth socket. Dislodging it can cause what’s called dry socket, which can be painful.

There are a few things you can try to speed up healing time:

• Take painkillers as prescribed.
• Leave the initial gauze pad in place until about three to four hours after the procedure.
• Apply an ice bag to the affected area immediately following the procedure, but only for 10 minutes at a time. Leaving ice packs on for too long can result in tissue damage.
• Rest for 24 hours following the operation and limit your activity for the next couple of days.
• To avoid dislodging the blood clot, don’t rinse, spit, or use a straw for 24 hours after the procedure.
• After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with a salt solution, made with half a teaspoon of salt and 8 ounces warm water.
• Avoid smoking.
• When sleeping, prop your head up with pillows, as lying flat can prolong healing.
• Continue brushing and flossing your teeth to prevent infection, though avoid the extraction site.

During the healing process, you’ll want to eat soft foods, such as:

• soup
• pudding
• yogurt
• applesauce

You can add smoothies to your diet, but you must eat them with a spoon. As your extraction site heals, you’ll be able to incorporate more solid foods into your diet, but it’s recommended to continue with these soft foods diet for a week after your extraction.

It normally takes a few days to recover after a tooth removal. The following steps help ensure that your recovery goes smoothly.

• Apply an ice pack to your cheek directly after the procedure to reduce swelling. Use the ice pack for 10 minutes each time.
• After the dentist places the gauze pad over the affected area, bite down to reduce bleeding and to aid in clot formation. Leave the gauze on for three to four hours, or until the pad is soaked with blood.
• Take any medications as prescribed, including over-the-counter painkillers.
• Rest and relax for the first 24 hours. Do not jump immediately into your regular routine the following day.
• Don’t use a straw for the first 24 hours.
• Don’t smoke.
• Don’t rinse for 24 hours after the tooth extraction, and spit only gently.
• Use pillows to prop your head up when you lie down.
• Brush and floss your teeth like normal, but avoid the extraction site.
• The day after the procedure, eat soft foods, such as yogurt, pudding, and applesauce.
• After 24 hours, add a half-teaspoon of salt to eight ounces of warm water to rinse out your mouth.
• As you heal over the next few days, you can slowly reintroduce other foods into your diet.

If you are experiencing pain that isn’t going away after several days or signs of an infection —including fever, pain, and pus or drainage from the incision — make an appointment to see us as soon as possible.