What to expect after teeth extractions. There's likely to be pain and swelling and you'll probably need to take time out to rest and recover. This will include time off work and other commitments for at least the first 24 hours after surgery and up to a week.
Some patients who undergo tooth extraction may want to take a day off from work just to make sure they can rest well and address the immediate side effects of the procedure. Other patients may not need to spend a day recovering and will be able to return to work the next day so long as it is not physically demanding.
Your dentist recommends you rest for 48 to 72 hours to ensure the formation of the blood clot. You can return to your regular physical activity after the resting period. The soft tissue in your mouth heals entirely in about three to four weeks. The recovery after tooth extraction varies for every patient.
People should rest for at least the first 24 hours after the extraction. Avoiding strenuous activity is necessary. This may reduce bleeding and prevent losing the blood clot from the socket. Maintaining the blood clot is a very important aspect of aftercare.
Oral surgery, no matter if it is surgery for periodontal disease, tooth extractions, or dental implant placement, can leave you feeling uncomfortable for a few days. Getting plenty of rest and sleep is crucial for healing properly following surgery.
Every patient is unique, but most are able to get back on the job within two or three days of the wisdom teeth removal procedure. That said, the nature of your work makes a difference. If your job involves strenuous activity, your oral surgeon may recommend that you take more time off.
Avoid eating or drinking for the first hour after your surgery (with the exception of liquids needed as an aid with taking medication). Over the following 24 hours, drink plenty of fluids so you stay properly hydrated.
A common question we get is how long one should wait to have an alcoholic beverage after having had oral surgery done. It is recommended to wait at least 48 hours before resuming alcohol consumption. After surgery, especially for the first 24 hours, it is advised that you take this opportunity to relax and recover.
Water – Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush food particles away from the extraction site. Sports Drinks – Non-carbonated sports drinks hydrate effectively but they also usually contain high levels of sugar. If you consume sports drinks, be sure to brush your teeth afterward.
Do not spit, suck on extraction site, smoke cigarettes, rinse your mouth vigorously, or drink through a straw for at least 4 days. These activities or anything you do to disturb the blood clot will lead to delayed healing and DRY-SOCKET PAIN.
Rest for at least 24 hours and elevate your head when lying down. Apply an ice pack to your cheek at 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling. Avoid rinsing your mouth, spitting, smoking, or drinking through a straw because this can dislodge your blood clot and cause a painful secondary condition called dry socket.
The purpose of gauze is to help your body clot the wound by applying light pressure against your wound. You should never sleep with gauze in your mouth because it's a potential choking hazard.
During the initial stages of healing, the tooth extraction site may ooze. Because of this, sleeping on your side is best, at least for the first night. Plus, if you lie flat on your back, you might experience more swelling. That could increase your pain and make resting an even greater challenge.
Bleeding should continue for up to 24 hours
It is normal for bleeding to exist for up to 24 hours after the tooth extraction. However, the bleeding should be minimal and tolerable, and excessive bleeding that causes a major distraction or that causes major discomfort that is not tolerable is a concern.
Gauze placed against the wound will draw blood from the clot and this, likewise, is not a sign of bleeding. Place an old towel over your pillow for the first night to reduce risk of staining. If the bleeding persists, contact the office.
Please remove the gauze when you eat or drink. Do not sleep with the gauze in your mouth. Pay special attention to the placement of the gauze , making sure it is over the surgical site and not just between the teeth.
Aside from applying ice packs on your face and cheeks after the surgery, you should also drink ice cold water. Ice does not just reduce swelling, but the coldness is also a great pain reliever, numbing the area of your mouth that is affected.
Pain. It is normal for pain to get worse over the next couple of days. Most discomfort is seen on day 2 and 3. Once you get home and the bleeding has stopped, you should eat (soft foods, pudding, etc.).
After having a tooth extracted, you can expect to heal within 1-2 weeks, but this varies on a case by case basis. In this blog from Woburn Dental Associates, we're detailing the entire healing process following an extraction so read on to learn more.
Reasons Why One May Experience Pain After Extraction
The pain experienced is usually due to the underlying gum inflammation. What is considered “normal” pain is likely to last for about three days post-extraction. If you are more of the sensitive type, expect a lingering tenderness on the extraction site for longer.
Gently rinse with warm salt water to clean the extraction site, reduce bacteria, and promote healing. Note: vigorous mouth rinsing can actually cause dry socket or worsen it.
The American Dental Association recommends you keep gauze over your extraction site for 30 to 45 minutes after surgery. This encourages a blood clot to form and can help prevent dry socket.
You should drink plenty of water after your tooth extraction to keep the extraction site clear and prevent infection. Remember to not drink through a straw, though, since the sucking motion can disturb the extraction site.
Following the extraction, it is necessary to eat a diet of soft foods that will not irritate the area during recovery. If a patient does not have sensitive teeth, ice cream is one of the first things that they should reach for following a tooth extraction.