Dentists remove your teeth when they become decayed at the root and cannot be salvaged, when they become crowded or when wisdom teeth become impacted. Your dentist may recommend tooth extraction to alleviate pain and improve your oral health. The procedure takes place in in the dentists' office or at an outpatient oral surgery center. Proper care after surgeons remove your teeth prevents infections, swelling and further tooth damage.
Immediate After Care
Risks of infections are higher right after dentists extract teeth, so following the dentist's instructions offsets serious problems. Dentists place sterile gauze pads on the open wound for 30 to 45 minutes to control bleeding. Dental Health Magazine says you should not drink from a straw, spit, rinse or smoke for at least 24 to 48 hours after surgery. The magazine also says not to rub the wound with your tongue and use gauze pads or cold wet teabags if it starts bleeding. You should avoid vigorous exercise and work for a few days or until your dentist gives you permission.
Swelling Reduction
Swelling of the mouth, cheeks, eyes and face occurs after a tooth extraction, usually worsening two or three days after surgery, according to Seacoast Dental Implant & Oral Surgery Center. Ice packs applied to the side of the face minimize swelling. Apply ice packs continually during the day or apply them 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. If swelling does not decrease after 24 to 36 hours, call your doctor. Apply heat packs to the side of the face 36 hours after surgery.
Dry Sockets
Dry sockets develop when blood clots form in the area where teeth are removed and cause pain near exposed bones and nerves. This condition slows the healing process. Dry sockets occur when you smoke, take oral birth control, do not practice proper after-surgery care, and if you experience tooth or gum infections, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of dry sockets include exposed bones; radiating pain that spreads to your ears, eyes, temple and neck; bad breath; and swollen glands. Dentists need to flush your sockets to remove any foods or substances lodged inside the exposed area.
Pain Prevention
Your dentist provides pain relief recommendations before numbing medications wear off to prevent discomfort. The Oral Facial Surgery Center says to take Tylenol, Extra Strength Tylenol or ibuprofen every three or four hours for mild pain and discomfort. Dentists prescribe strong pain medication for severe pain from infections and dry sockets. Prescription medications cause drowsiness and reduce your reflexes, so you should not drive or drink alcohol. Persistent pain could indicate serious problems, and you need to call your dentist.
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