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How to care for a tooth extractionAfter undergoing a tooth extraction, it is important to follow the proper aftercare procedures for at least 24 hours after having your tooth pulled. If your tooth extraction won’t stop bleeding, contact us immediately so we can determine the best action to take to alleviate the issue. While this page contains helpful and common aftercare guidelines to follow after having a tooth extraction, your situation could be a special circumstance. This is why it is crucial to discuss your aftercare plan with Stonebridge Dental so we can provide you with personalized care.
If you are experiencing high levels of pain, contact us immediately so we can prescribe you some medications for your tooth extraction. Tooth loss is generally something dentists want to avoid unless necessary as a last resort. However, certain cases necessitate tooth extraction, such as impacted wisdom teeth, dental trauma, infection, severe tooth decay, gum disease, or overcrowded teeth. After having a tooth extracted, you can expect to heal within 1-2 weeks, but this varies on a case by case basis. In this blog from
Woburn Dental Associates, we’re detailing the entire healing process following an extraction so read on to learn more. The Stages of HealingThe first 24 hours - The first 24 hours after extraction are important, as this is when a blood clot will start to form at the extraction site. Blood clots are vital to your healing and protect your bone and nerve tissue. Since you just
underwent oral surgery, bleeding is to be expected, and possibly a little swelling. You will be given gauze to bite down on for 30 minutes right after your surgery to stop the bleeding. You may still be numb from anesthesia so refrain from eating or drinking hot liquids until this wears off. If you have been sedated, you may need to get a ride home. 24-48 hours - Swelling will peak 2-3 days following the extraction. You can use a cold compress alternating between 15
minutes on and 15 minutes off, while keeping your head elevated to reduce the swelling. Some continual bleeding is still normal but ideally, at this point, there should be blood clots in place at the extraction site. Make sure to regularly change your gauze every 3-4 hours or if they are becoming soaked with blood. You should dampen fresh gauze before placing them at the socket or bite into a damp caffeinated tea bag. Take any prescribed or over-the-counter
anti-pain medication to reduce discomfort and pain. However, take something like ibuprofen instead of aspirin, as aspirin may increase bleeding. 72 hours - Your tooth's socket should be mostly healed and the bleeding should be mostly gone. Swelling will have subsided though you may still feel tender around the socket. Be careful not to dislodge your blood clot, which can lead to a dry socket. The gum tissue should be closing around the socket. 7-10
days - Unless your extraction was more complicated or involved the rear molars, you can expect this to be the final hurdle in your healing journey. The hole left behind at the socket should be mostly closed, though in some cases healing can take up to 2-3 weeks. How to Speed up RecoveryIf you notice excessive bleeding, pus, fever, or swelling that gets worse after a few days, you should contact your dentist right away. It’s important to keep your mouth clean but
also take care not to dislodge your blood clots. These aftercare tips will reduce your risk of developing a dry socket or infection while speeding up your healing time:
Tooth Extractions at Woburn Dental AssociatesAt Woburn Dental Associates, we perform tooth extractions on wisdom teeth that aren’t coming in properly or any other teeth that have become damaged or are negatively
impacting your health. We also offer tooth replacement options such as dental implants or dentures. To find out more about extraction or tooth replacement, contact us at Woburn Dental Associates or
schedule a consultation today. How long does a blood clot take to form after tooth extraction?The first 24 hours - The first 24 hours after extraction are important, as this is when a blood clot will start to form at the extraction site. Blood clots are vital to your healing and protect your bone and nerve tissue. Since you just underwent oral surgery, bleeding is to be expected, and possibly a little swelling.
How do you know if a blood clot formed after tooth extraction?After a tooth extraction, you should develop a blood clot in the socket (hole) that's left behind. It'll look like a dark-colored scab. But if you have a dry socket, the clot will be absent and you'll be able to see bone. For this reason, dry sockets usually appear white.
What helps blood clot after tooth extraction?To help control bleeding, bite firmly on the gauze placed by your dentist. The pressure helps to form a blood clot in the tooth socket. If you have a lot of bleeding, bite on a regular tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea aids in forming a blood clot.
What happens if bleeding doesn't stop after tooth extraction?If you still notice bleeding, do not rinse your mouth, but place a new clean, damp gauze and bite down firmly for another 20 min. Do not chew on the cotton roll. Do not suck on the extraction site. If bleeding won't stop, moisten a tea bag with tap water bite down on it for 30 minutes.
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