A tooth extraction may be considered for many reasons. It might be due to damage or tooth decay. It can help in eliminating bacteria and improving your oral health.
What is a tooth extraction?
It is a dental procedure through which your tooth is completely removed from its socket. It can be referred to as "pulling" teeth. Dentists and dental specialists such as oral surgeons and periodontists can perform the procedure.
What happens after tooth extraction
When the procedure is complete, your dentist will place a piece of gauze over the extraction site and ask you to close it down with steady pressure. This helps in slow bending for the formation of a blood clot. Clotting promotes healing and recovery reducing the risk of dry sockets. Once the bleeding has slowed down enough, you will take the gauze out (light bleeding is expected within the first 24 hours).
Tooth extraction aftercare
After the process, your dentist will give you a list of post-surgical instructions. One of the instructions might include keeping the site clean. You are advised to gently rinse the area with antibacterial mouthwash at least two times or three times a day. This means you are to avoid brushing directly over the extracted site until you are given the green light by your dentist.
In addition, you are advised to follow your medications to the latter. You may have some pain relievers or antibiotics given by your dentist. It is important to take the medication as directed. Over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen might also be an option. Moreover, you are to avoid strenuous activities for at least two days. This is because strenuous activities might increase your heartbeat rate increasing post-operative bleeding and discomfort. Therefore, for gym lovers, skip for the next 48 to 72 hours and remember to ask your dentist when to resume.
In the case of eating, avoid hard foods for the first few days, instead of eating crunchy foods, stock your fridge with soft foods like pasta, rice, eggs, yogurt, and applesauce. Drinking through straws is also harmful since it might dislodge blood clots and cause dry sockets. Our dentist is well-trained and well-equipped with the necessary equipment for dental procedures. They also offer the best advice, call us today.
A tooth extraction may be considered for many reasons. It might be due to damage or tooth decay. It can help in eliminating bacteria and improving your oral health. 
