Getting ready for a tooth extraction? It’s a great excuse to kick back and binge your favorite shows, but there’s a bit more prep involved than just showing up at the dental office. Knowing what things to avoid after tooth extraction is just as important as following the dentist’s instructions. To keep your recovery on the right track, here’s what not to do after this treatment.
How Is a Tooth Extracted?
In general dentistry practice, extraction entails removing the tooth entirely from its socket. Typically done under local anesthesia, the procedure itself usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how complex the situation is.
While the goal is always to keep natural and healthy teeth, sometimes tooth extraction is the best option, especially when it comes to severe decay or fracture. It’s a super common procedure – in fact, about 5 million Americans get their wisdom teeth removed every year.
How Long Is the Recovery?
Most people are back to normal in just a couple of days, getting back to their usual routine within 48 to 72 hours. However, it will take a few weeks for your jawbone to fully heal. Therefore, if you’re thinking about getting dental implants to restore your smile, you’ll likely need to wait a few months for complete recovery.
In the meantime, it’s crucial to follow all post-op instructions. This means sticking to your at-home routine and keeping up with regular dentist check-ups. But just as important as this is knowing the things to avoid after wisdom tooth extraction or any other type of dental removal. So, let’s uncover some big no-nos during this crucial recovery time.
#1 Ignoring the Importance of Rest
Let’s start with an obvious one – a good night’s sleep is crucial. Resting gives your body the time and energy it needs to heal after the procedure. However, this doesn’t mean you’re stuck in bed all day – you just need to avoid anything strenuous, like working out or heavy lifting, for at least the first 48 hours.
And here’s a little expert tip – while you’re relaxing and sleeping, keep your head elevated. This helps minimize swelling and boosts circulation. So, grab an extra pillow or two and get cozy – your body will thank you!
#2 Not Staying Hydrated
Staying hydrated is a must! Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which slows down healing and leaves you feeling less than great, to say at least. Moreover, dealing with dry mouth (xerostomia) can increase the chances of a dry socket developing, which can be quite an uncomfortable experience.
According to Harvard Health, for generally healthy people, the four-to-six cups daily rule is a good ballpark figure, especially with a diet that helps keep you hydrated. However, after oral surgery, you should aim for a bit more, at least 8 cups, to really feel at your best.
#3 Neglecting Your Diet
Eating the right foods during recovery is just as important as resting. Soft, nutrient-rich foods give your body the fuel it needs without irritating the extraction site. Also, sticking to gentle foods helps avoid any unwanted setbacks, like tooth infections and dry sockets.
We get it – nobody’s raving about hospital food, but sticking to easy-to-chew options doesn’t mean your cravings have to suffer! As you ease from a liquid diet back to your regular meals, here are some suggestions on what to eat after teeth removal:
- Smoothies,
- Blended soups,
- Yogurt,
- Soft fruits,
- Scrambled eggs.
#4 Smoking and Drinking Alcohol
Let’s face it – smoking is not a good habit any day of the week, but after tooth extraction, it’s downright harmful. The chemicals in cigarettes mess with your body’s ability to heal by reducing oxygen in your bloodstream and constricting blood vessels – both of which are key for recovery.
Lighting up not only slows down healing and raises the risk of infection but also slows down the process of new tissue forming. And alcohol isn’t any better for recovery, either! All in all, avoid both smoking and alcohol as long as possible – if you can quit altogether, even better! At the very least, hold off until your mouth has fully healed before reaching for that lighter.
#5 Skipping Appointments With Your Dentist in Charlotte, NC
Regular dental cleanings and exams are crucial for a healthy and dazzling smile. While it’s generally recommended to find yourself in that dental chair at least every six months, during recovery, scheduled follow-ups with your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark should be much more frequent.
Dentist appointments are crucial to make sure everything’s healing as it should be, as well as to spot any sneaky issues early on and keep you on the right track for a speedy recovery. It’s also the perfect chance to discuss any questions or concerns you may have – an experienced Charlotte, NC, dentist will be more than happy to provide guidance!
Things to Avoid After Tooth Extraction? Not Visiting Our Office!
No matter if you’ve just had a tooth pulled or are gearing up for it, our team at Aspire Dental Wellness is here to make sure everything goes as planned! Led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, we are proud to say we’ve perfected the practice of stress-free dentistry, providing each and every one of our patients with a smooth and comfortable experience. Don’t leave your smile to chance – contact us today, and let’s get you on track for a healthy, happy recovery!
