Dental Extraction and Proper Dental Care After an Extraction

Tooth extractions can be required for several reasons. The removal of wisdom teeth is one of the most common reasons, and removing a damaged or broken tooth is also common. Dr. Jeff Bue and Dr. Julie Chang at Kennebec Dental Excellence in Winslow, ME, can give you detailed instructions on how to properly care for your mouth after a tooth has been extracted. With proper care, you can heal faster and reduce any risk of infection or complications.

Keep the gauze in place – As soon as the tooth is out and the stitches (if you have them) are in place, your dentist will put a piece of gauze over the area. You will want to bite down slightly to hold it in place. It’s important to leave the gauze in place for the time recommended by the doctor. This will help to stop the bleeding and allow a soft scab or clot to form. You may need to replace the gauze once or twice. Gently pull the old gauze out and put a new piece in its place. It is normal for some bleeding to continue for up to 24 hours. 

Don’t use a straw for the first few days – One of the first things your dentist will tell you is to avoid using a straw or puffing on a cigarette or vape. The sucking action associated with these activities can dislodge the clot that has formed over the area. If it does become loose or is pulled out, you can experience dry socket. A dry socket can be very painful and can prolong the healing process by several days. While healing will still take place, it will go much slower, and your risk of infection may be higher.

Avoid brushing over the area – Brushing too close or directly over the area can also dislodge the clot once it has formed. Any type of contact with the clot, even if it is slight, can affect it and introduce bacteria. Gently using mouthwash (without swishing too hard as this could dislodge the clot too) for the first couple of days may be advisable. Your dentist will answer your questions about when and how you can safely brush and floss your teeth.

Keep food away from the area – Until the extraction site has started to heal and is at least partially closed, you will want to keep food away from the area. If food makes its way into the hole, it can be incredibly difficult to get out. This can lead to an infection and possibly another procedure to remove the food. After eating, you will want to rinse your mouth gently but thoroughly with warm salt water to get rid of any remaining debris. Rinse 3 or 4 times a day for the next week. 

Let your dentist know when your stitches fall out – If you have stitches, let your dentist know when they fall out. Losing your stitches is a good sign that your extraction site is healing. Many times, your dentist will not use stitches after a tooth extraction. It will depend on the size and depth of the extraction site and how much tissue damage there is.

Follow up with your dentist – If you live in Winslow, ME, and have questions concerning aftercare for a tooth extraction, call Dr. Jeff Bue or Dr. Julie Chang today at Kennebec Dental Excellence. It’s important to talk to your dentist about the healing process and what you need to do to make it go as smoothly as possible. Call (207) 810-5088 to schedule an appointment.

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