At Implant & Comprehensive Dentistry in Champions Gate, FL, we understand how frustrating it is to suffer from extreme chronic pain in your mouth. If you feel like you have tried everything to numb your mouth or otherwise relieve your pain, you may need to remove a tooth to find relief. Today, we are going to be looking more closely at what to expect throughout the tooth removal process, including the length of the recovery process.
As a general rule, you should take around two to three days to dedicate to your recovery after a tooth removal. Once that time has passed, you may resume your usual routine. However, it may take anywhere from three to four weeks for your soft tissue to heal completely. During the first 24 hours following your tooth removal, it is of the utmost importance that you rest and avoid engaging in vigorous physical activity.
Additionally, you may want to apply a cold compress to your face during the first 24 hours following your tooth removal. After 48 hours, you should rinse your mouth out with a warm saline solution every one to two hours up to four times daily. This serves multiple purposes, such as helping facilitate faster healing and keeping your mouth clean.
One of the most important rules to adhere to following a tooth removal is to not smoke for three to four days. If you smoke too soon after your tooth extraction, you may develop an infection. It is also very important that you limit your physical activity as much as you can. If you don’t, the clot could become dislodged, leading to a condition called alveolar osteitis (dry socket).
Furthermore, it is imperative that you give your blood plenty of time to clot. Do not spit, rinse your mouth, or drink through a straw during the first five to seven days following your treatment. You should not floss, brush, or chew near the treatment site for approximately 72 hours following your tooth removal. Additionally, you should make sure your head is elevated above your heart for the first few nights you sleep after your tooth is removed.
You may not use mouthwash that contains alcohol for five to eight days after your tooth extraction.
Following your tooth extraction, constant pressure should be applied to the gauze pad on the extraction site for 45 to 60 minutes at a time. If the gauze pad starts to dry out, dampen it with clean, cool water. If necessary, change it out with a fresh moistened pad.
You will need to modify your diet for a period of time once your tooth is removed. Some people feel most comfortable sticking to a liquid diet during the first 24 hours following their tooth extraction. However, it is okay to consume soft foods that aren’t too hot during this time. For example, you may want to have a yogurt-based smoothie or protein shake for breakfast, applesauce and drinkable yogurt for lunch, and a bowl of ice cream for dinner.
After 24 hours, you can start to incorporate other soft foods into your diet. For instance, you can eat mashed potatoes, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and certain broth-based soups. However, these foods should only be eaten lukewarm. You may not eat hot food for two to five days following your tooth removal. It is essential that you give your blood clots plenty of time to stabilize.
After your tooth is removed, it is extremely important that you do not drink alcohol for at least 72 hours. Additionally, you should avoid the consumption of acidic beverages, like soda and juice from citrus fruits. Moreover, you should not eat any brittle, crunchy, hard, chewy, or tough foods for seven days following your tooth extraction. This means you should not eat:
One of the most common circumstances that require a dentist to remove a tooth is crowding. When you have an overcrowded mouth, you may need to have one or more teeth removed. Sometimes, this is a necessary treatment to solve an existing problem. In other cases, tooth removal is recommended to prevent future dental problems. Tooth removal also may be necessary in the case of severe decay or damage to the tooth.
If a tooth is damaged beyond repair or severely decayed, it can damage your gums or surrounding teeth. You also may be a good tooth removal candidate if you are suffering from an infection or abscess affecting your tooth or surrounding gum tissue. Having a dentist remove a tooth can prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body. Tooth removal is also often necessary due to impacted teeth and wisdom teeth.
While tooth extractions can treat current problems and prevent future problems, they are not appropriate for everyone. For example, tooth removal is generally not performed on pregnant women. Additionally, you will be considered a poor tooth removal candidate if you suffer from a bleeding disorder, like hemophilia. Moreover, immune system disorders may make you a poor candidate for this treatment because healing could be delayed.
Additionally, you may be considered a poor candidate for a tooth extraction if you suffer from certain heart conditions or take certain medications. During your initial consultation, we will discuss your medical history and current health thoroughly to ensure that there are no contraindications. If there are contraindications, we will discuss them with you and advise you on whether you should take or stop taking certain medications to make you a good candidate.
On the day of your appointment, it is important that you arrive wearing comfortable pants and a loose short-sleeved shirt. It is also important that your hair is pulled away from your face, you are not wearing jewelry or contact lenses, and you don’t wear perfume or body spray.
Another very important preparation step to take before your tooth removal is to arrange for transportation to and from your appointment. The anesthetic used to keep you comfortable during your tooth extraction has the potential to slow your reaction time, so it will not be safe for you to drive within 24 hours of your tooth being removed. Also, you should make sure that you bring chapstick to your appointment so you can moisturize your lips.
The amount of time it takes a dentist to remove a tooth depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case and the technique used to remove the tooth. If you only need a simple tooth extraction, your appointment should take no longer than 20 or 30 minutes. If a tooth is impacted or has multiple roots, your tooth removal may take 45 to 60 minutes. If a surgical extraction is required, your appointment may take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.
It is not always necessary to get a dental implant after you remove a tooth. However, it is a very good idea for several reasons. For example, if you don’t get a dental implant to fill in the hole left by the removed tooth, there is a chance that your face will eventually look collapsed, and you will lose a lot of lip support and experience premature wrinkles.
Additionally, you can expect your adjacent teeth to start shifting towards the gap over time. Moreover, a dental implant is important for maintaining the integrity of the surrounding teeth and jawbone.
It may take anywhere from three to four weeks for your soft tissue to heal after you have a dentist remove a tooth. However, you should only need to pause your usual routine for two to three days. If you think tooth removal could benefit you, contact us now at Implant & Comprehensive Dentistry in Champions Gate, FL to schedule an evaluation and find out for sure.
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