You’ve just had a tooth pulled or are scheduled for a tooth extraction. You likely have questions about recovery time and what to do to promote seamless aftercare.
Fortunately, we provide aftercare instructions to help you through the process. These directions may vary depending on your case and why we extracted the tooth.
This blog shares reasons for tooth extraction and general tips to promote a speedy recovery.
Reasons You May Need Tooth Extraction
- A damaged tooth that cannot be treated and crowned
- Overcrowding on the gum that leads to complications
- Before treatments like tooth replacement
- Problematic wisdom tooth eruption
If we extract a tooth due to injury or decay, talking to your Birmingham dentist about tooth replacement is essential. Tooth replacement helps preserve your oral health and bite function.
Wisdom teeth may erupt in early adulthood or sooner. You don’t need these teeth to chew or enjoy an aesthetically pleasing smile. Your Birmingham dentist will discuss extraction if they partially erupt or crowd other teeth.
Tips for Your Smooth Recovery
Your dentist will provide custom aftercare instructions, but these instructions will typically include some or all of the following:
- Soft food diet for the first few days: Consider mashed potatoes, custard, yogurt, pureed soups, and the like.
- Avoid spitting: When you rinse your mouth, allow the water to drain into the basin.
- Avoid smoking or drinking through a straw: These actions can disrupt the healing blood clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket. Smoking also slows healing.
- Use sterile gauze: Mild bleeding is expected for the first day or two. You can gently bite on sterile gauze as needed.
- Follow your dentist’s instructions: Follow all aftercare recommendations and call our office if you have questions.
Do You Need a Gentle Dental Extraction in Birmingham, AL?
To learn more about tooth extraction or to book an evaluation, contact us today at (205) 326-6384