Your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction if you have a damaged tooth that does not respond to less invasive treatments. After this oral surgery, you should take care of the extraction site and plan for several days of recovery.
If you are not careful, you could dislodge a blood clot that develops naturally at the surgical site, causing a painful condition called dry socket. Dr. Thomas Prendergast, a dentist in Fox Lake, IL, outlines three steps you can take to avoid developing dry socket after a tooth extraction.
Practice Careful Oral Hygiene
When you undergo a tooth extraction, you should continue practicing good oral hygiene practices. However, since you will have a healing surgical site after this procedure, you will have to be careful with your methods.
You should brush and floss your teeth gently near this site so that you do not disrupt the blood clot and cause dry socket. Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions that you should follow for a more efficient healing process.
Avoid Sucking Movements
The combination of airflow and muscle movement when sucking through your mouth comes with a high risk of dislodging a blood clot on a tooth extraction healing site. For this reason, your dentist will recommend that you do not use a straw for one week after your extraction procedure.
Similarly, dental professionals suggest that patients stop smoking as they heal from a tooth extraction as this type of inhalation creates the same risk. They recommend reducing smoking prior to oral surgery so that it is easier to abstain from the habit as patients heal.
Eat Soft-Textured Foods
When anesthesia effects wear off after your tooth extraction, your mouth may feel sore. It is a good idea to eat soft-textured foods that will feel more comfortable for your teeth. Selecting soft foods can help you avoid dry socket as well.
Hard, sticky, or chewy foods could disrupt a blood clot over your surgical site. The day after your procedure, you may feel ready to eat more solid foods. You should take care as you do so, and revert back to soft foods if you notice any pain.
Learn More from Your Dentist in Fox Lake, IL
Infinity Dental performs tooth extractions and other general dental procedures for patients in Fox Lake, IL. Dr. Prendergast also specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry, including dental implants and other tooth replacement solutions. To schedule an appointment with us, contact our office online or reach us by phone at 847.447.6637.