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Are you considering tooth extraction for your broken or damaged tooth? If so, learn about the process and check out our top tooth extraction aftercare tips to help your mouth recover in the quickest possible time from the procedure.
What is tooth extraction?
Tooth extraction is the process of having one or more of your teeth professionally removed by a dentist. It might be necessary if you have cracked, damaged, or rotting teeth, as removing the tooth is the first step in the process towards replacing it with a dental implant or bridge, depending on your preferences.
Some people also have to schedule tooth extraction for wisdom teeth, which are the teeth towards the back of your mouth that show in young adults.
No matter the reason for your tooth extraction, the process begins with a consultation with your dentist, who will explain the entire process to you.
Then, depending on the condition of the tooth, your dentist will be able to remove it within one hour or less.
Tooth extraction cost
Whether or not your insurance covers dental care is an important first step to consider, but you can expect an extraction to cost anywhere between $100 and $500.
Of course, following the extraction, you will need to budget and plan for the tooth's replacement, which is most likely to be a dental implant or a dental bridge.
For most people (other than wisdom tooth removal), the tooth extraction is just the first step in the process, and it may be part of a broader treatment plan.
Tooth extraction aftercare tips
The key to recovering from a tooth extraction is the immediate aftercare.
Your dentist will give you sound advice about what you should do, as well as the dos and don'ts after wisdom tooth extraction to guide you.
But here are some tips to think about to ensure that the tooth extraction aftercare process goes as smoothly as possible:
Follow your dentist's advice
You need to be disciplined and follow your dentist's advice after tooth extraction.
If you have your wisdom teeth removed, you may be under strict orders about what to eat and how to care for your teeth for a period of up to 2 weeks.
It's so important that you stick to what your dentist tells you to avoid any complications.
Know what you can eat and drink
Knowing what you can eat after tooth extraction is super important. In the days (or even weeks) after the procedure, the dentist is likely to tell you to avoid hard foods.
You can opt for soups, smoothies, and mashed potatoes, alongside other foods, which are easy to eat and will prevent issues with chewing.
Have pain relief available
In the days after your tooth extraction, you may experience some pain and discomfort in the affected area.
As such, have some pain relief available and ask your dentist for the best over-the-counter medications to use to help keep on top of any pain that arises.
Avoid alcohol and excess sugar
Alcohol isn't great for your teeth full stop, but it's particularly bad after a procedure like a tooth extraction. So, make sure you don't drink alcohol in the days after the extraction.
Equally, avoid products and foods like candy with excess sugar, as they could cause problems for the affected area while there is a hole in your teeth.
Things to avoid after tooth extraction
As well as alcohol and excess sugar, what else should you avoid in the days after a tooth extraction? Well, for tooth extraction healing to be successful, you should avoid:
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Brushing the affected area for a period specified by your doctor.
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Flossing the area.
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Using a harsh mouthwash that can lead to discomfort or even infection of the wound.
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Hard foods and sugary products.
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Excess exercise. While it's good to keep active, avoid too much physical exertion in the immediate aftermath of your procedure.
How long does a tooth extraction take to heal?
It will then take up to 1-2 weeks for the wound to fully heal, by which time the dentist will advise you on the best course of action, be it a dental implant or a dental bridge, for instance.
Bear in mind our aftercare tips above to look after your mouth and to avoid unnecessary damage to the affected area.
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Final thoughts on tooth extraction
You might need a tooth extraction if you have a broken, damaged, or chipped tooth. Alternatively, it might be time to remove your wisdom teeth, so understanding what the procedure is and how to look after yourself will help you plan for it.
As you can see, following some simple tooth extraction aftercare tips will enhance your experience and help you to recover from the procedure as quickly as possible.
FAQs
What can I eat after tooth extraction?
Your dentist will likely recommend soft, nutritious foods in the immediate aftermath of your extraction. Foods like smoothies and lukewarm soups are good options as they require little effort to consume.
Why no dairy after tooth extraction?
Some dentists will tell you to avoid dairy in the aftermath of a tooth extraction, because it is high in calcium and it can interfere with clotting. If you're concerned, speak to your dentist directly.
When to stop using gauze after tooth extraction?
This is your dentist's call and they will advise you on when to stop using gauze. You might have to change the gauze every hour while the bleeding commences, but when it stops, you might only have to change it once every couple of hours. Again, follow your dentist's instructions for the best course of action.
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