Natural teeth are ideal for biting, chewing and maintaining mouth and jawbone structure, which is why Dr. Brent Engelberg’s first priority is to help restore, save and repair your natural teeth. However, sometimes a tooth extraction is unavoidable.
When you have an extraction, it’s natural that changes will occur in your mouth afterward. Dr. Engelberg may give you instructions to follow after the extraction, and it’s important to talk to Dr. Engelberg if you have any questions or problems. Here are some general guidelines to help promote healing, prevent complications, and make you more comfortable.
Before The Tooth Extraction
You will be given an anesthetic to reduce your discomfort. Your mouth will remain numb for a few hours after the extraction. While your mouth is numb, you’ll want to be careful not to bite your cheek, lip or tongue. After the extraction, do not eat any foods that require chewing while your mouth is numb. The numbness should go away within a few hours. If it doesn’t, contact Dr. Engelberg immediately.
Let It Heal!
The blood clot that forms in the tooth socket is an important part of the normal healing process. You should avoid doing things that might disturb the clot. Here’s how to protect it:
- Do not rinse your mouth vigorously, or drink through a straw for 24 hours. These activities create suction in the mouth, which could loosen the clot and delay healing.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages or mouthwash containing alcohol for 24 hours.
- If you are a smoker, talk to your dentist before the surgery on ways to quit. Â You should not smoke after surgery.
- Limit strenuous activity for 24 hours after the extraction. This will reduce bleeding and help the blood clot to form.
- Sometimes the blood clot does not form in the first day or two after the extraction, or it forms but breaks down. The result is called a dry socket. This can be very painful and should be reported to your dentist. A dressing may be placed in the socket to protect it until the socket heals and to reduce any pain.
When To Call Dr. Engelberg
If you have any of the following issues, call your dentist immediately. If you cannot reach your dentist, go to a hospital emergency room.
- fever, nausea or vomiting
- ongoing or severe pain, swelling, or bleeding
- pain that gets worse with time instead of better
Schedule An Appointment
If you are experiencing tooth pain, contact our Arlington Heights, IL dental office today to learn more about how we can help. To make an appointment at AH Smiles, call 847.230.9703 or schedule an appointment online.