When anemergency tooth extractionis required, it can be a shock to your entire system. The surrounding teeth have to be able to support the weight of the extraction, or else your newly extracted tooth could fall out, which can be extremely painful and lead to infection if not treated quickly. The best way to deal with an emergency tooth extraction will vary depending on the specifics of your situation, but there are some general precautions you should take immediately following the procedure. Here’s how to care for an emergency tooth extraction from start to finish.
Call your dentist
So, you’ve just had a wisdom tooth removed. Now what? While it’s not necessary to schedule a follow-up appointment, it is a good idea to call your dentist and let them know you had a tooth extracted—and then make sure you stick with whatever advice they give you about oral hygiene.Surrounding teeth hurt after tooth extractiondentists will recommend brushing your teeth at least once or twice per day (using Sensodyne Pronamel if your teeth are sensitive). If you need more help, be sure and ask! Your dentist can also provide recommendations on pain management while things heal up.
Rinse your mouth with warm salt water
Salt water helps prevent infection and makes your mouth feel fresh. Mix a half teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and gargle with it once or twice per day. If you prefer, you can use one-quarter teaspoon of baking soda in place of salt; baking soda has mild antibacterial properties, too. Don’t use mouthwash because it typically contains alcohol and can irritate your teeth when they’re already feeling raw after a procedure like asame day tooth extraction near me.
Keep a cold compress on your face
It’s easy for your face to swell up if you have a tooth pulled. If you can, keep a cold compress (like ice) pressed against your cheek that was operated on. The cold will reduce swelling and pain. If ice isn’t available, put pressure on your cheek with a towel or hand. You should avoid using aspirin, ibuprofen and other pain medications until after your surgery has healed—they could slow down blood clotting and make it harder for you heal properly. Once any pain from surgery subsides, start taking vitamin C supplements—they will help speed healing and repair tissue damage caused by surgery or trauma.
Eat soft food while you are resting
While you’re resting your jaw, you should eat soft foods that do not require chewing. Eat soup, puddings, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes and other similarly pureed meals until your swelling goes down. Check with your dentist if you have any questions about when to start eating solid foods again. If you think you might need a root canal or other dental procedure in addition to a tooth extraction because of decay or severe damage, take time off work and go see your dentist as soon as possible. Eating well will help ensure that everything heals properly and helps prevent more serious issues from developing after the surgery is complete.
Don’t use alcohol
Alcohol will irritate your gums even more than they already are. Instead, try rinsing with a solution of baking soda and water or saltwater. If you have access to milk, you can also rinse with milk to help stop bleeding. If you’re unable to rinse your mouth at all, there’s no need to worry—it will eventually stop bleeding on its own as your body begins healing itself. But don’t wait too long—try and rinse within minutes of surgery.
Don’t rinse after 48 hours
The first24 hour emergency dental extractionafter a tooth is extracted is when you’re most vulnerable to infection. Rinsing and mouth-wiping disrupts blood clotting, allowing contaminants into your blood stream. To reduce risk of infection, minimize rinsing immediately following a tooth extraction and keep food out of your mouth during that time. After two days have passed, it’s okay to rinse once daily with saline solution (1/2 teaspoon per 16 ounces of water).
Continue mouth-wiping with gauze or sterile pads every four hours and eating soft foods until you can brush normally again (usually about three weeks). Many patients are surprised that they can eat pretty much whatever they want after two days—the pain will still be there but will be manageable on soft foods alone. Once you feel up to it, begin brushing gently with a soft-bristled brush; use more force if your gums are extremely tender. Swish around some warm saltwater during meals and continue applying hydrocortisone cream twice daily.
If you experience severe bleeding at any point in time, call your dentist right away. One of our hygienists may need to remove some sutures or take other measures depending on how much bleeding occurs and where. Also remember that liquids should go through a straw because sucking may lead to shifting of surgical packing inside your mouth . You can probably expect some swelling for several days post-extraction; rest assured, it goes down over time. If discomfort persists past five days or continues to worsen by day seven, contact us right away.