Extractions in Clyde North

Healing and Home Care

Home care for an extraction can involve taking over-the-counter pain medications to help with any tenderness in the days following the procedure and should be taken before the anesthesia wears off. More complex extractions may involve additional prescriptions recommended by your dentist. When it comes to eating, we recommend soft, cold foods for the few days after the extraction. Try to avoid using straws as the sucking motion can complicate the healing process. You should clean and brush your teeth as usual; changing your gauze pads often and a warm, salt water rinse 24 hours after the procedure to keep the area clean. Smoking should be refrained from for 24-72 hours. If you notice any swelling, ice packs may help reduce it. There can also be stitches involved in more complex extractions, usually self-dissolving stitches. It’s extremely important to follow after-care directions to prevent any complications. For example, the blood clot that forms after extraction can become dislodged and leave the hole exposed. This situation, called dry socket, can cause an infection so we strongly recommend taking it easy to ensure you heal properly.