In order to maintain a happy, healthy smile, sometimes a tooth extraction becomes necessary. Whether it is to remove a tooth that has not broken the gum line, a tooth that is broken, or a tooth that has a severe cavity, a tooth extraction is a routine procedure that can keep your dental health on the right track. However, it is important to know exactly how to care for your mouth post-tooth extraction in order to avoid infections or dry socket.
After a tooth extraction, your dentist will have you bite down on a piece of cotton in order to keep the area where the tooth was dry. Blood cannot clot easily in your mouth otherwise, but when it is kept dry, it will be able to. It is important that a blood clot forms to protect you from dry socket.
What is dry socket? Dry socket occurs when a blood clot is removed before the gum line has had a chance to heal, leaving the bone and nerve endings exposed. This can be extremely painful, so it is important to avoid dislodging the blood clot before it is ready.
How can you avoid dislodging the blood clot? Avoid spitting, blowing your nose, or doing anything else that might cause pressure in your mouth and dislodge the clot. Also, stick to liquids and soft, cool foods such as yogurt in the days following the extraction.
Follow your dentist’s instructions following a tooth extraction in order to avoid infection and dry socket. You may also apply ice to keep the swelling down in your jaw, and you may use painkillers such as ibuprofen as well.
A tooth extraction, while vital to your dental health, does not have to be a risk-filled experience. If you have any further questions on tooth extraction, call on the experts at Affinity Dental today.
At Affinity Dental, we keep on top of the newest treatments available so that we can better cater to you and help you to have a more enjoyable experience with your Catonsville dentist. To learn more about dental techniques and how we implement them at Affinity Dental, give us a call at 410-719-7900, visit our website, or stop in to make an appointment!
Our doctors and staff are dedicated to improving your dental health!