What should I do after tooth removal and extraction?
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American Dental Association answered:After the extraction, your dentist will advise you of what post extraction regimen to follow. Ask your dentist about pain medication. You can brush and floss the other teeth as usual. But don't clean the teeth next to the tooth socket.
After the extraction, your dentist will advise you of what post extraction regimen to follow. Ask your dentist about pain medication. You can brush and floss the other teeth as usual. But don't clean the teeth next to the tooth socket. More -
Dr. De Vizio of Colgate answered:After tooth removal and extraction, you should be very careful about the wound in your mouth. Most activities are geared toward the avoidance of dislodging the blood clot on the wound, which would result in a painful condition called dry socket. For the first 24 hours after surgery, you should rest. Also, in the first 24 hours, you should not eat anything but very soft foods (like pudding), not drink certain beverages (such as those with caffeine, alcohol, carbonation, or are hot), rinse your mouth or brush your teeth, or smoke. After 24 hours, you can start to resume your normal activities, brush your teeth (gently), rinse your mouth with a salt water rinse every two hours and after meals, and eat semisoft foods once you feel ready. You should also not drink with a straw, eat spicy or hard foods, or chew tobacco for at least a week.
You may experience bruising, pain, and bleeding around the area of the extracted tooth. This is normal in the first few days, but if it persists, you should let your oral surgeon or dentist know, as you could be experiencing complications. Make sure you are also aware of whether you need to make an appointment to have your stitches removed.
After tooth removal and extraction, you should be very careful about the wound in your mouth. Most activities are geared toward the avoidance of dislodging the blood clot on the wound, which would result in a painful condition called dry socket. For... More -
Dr. William Litaker answered:Four things should be done after a tooth extraction. First, do not smoke. Second, bite on gauze for 1 hour. Third, do not drink through a straw or spit. Finally, rinse with warm salt water morning and night for the next week.Four things should be done after a tooth extraction. First, do not smoke. Second, bite on gauze for 1 hour. Third, do not drink through a straw or spit. Finally, rinse with warm salt water morning and night for the next week. More -
Burke Lennihan RN CCH answered:The same natural remedies – Arnica, Phosphorus and Calendula – used preventively are also used afterwards:
Arnica – as long as there is soreness and swelling
Calendula – until the socket is healed
Phosphorus only if there is uncontrolled bleeding or after effects from the anesthesia – most people do not need this after the extraction.
Of course also follow Dr. De Vizio’s excellent advice.
Ruta grav. helps heal dry socket and reduce the pain.
Directions: 2 pellets of the remedy you need the most, 2 to 4 times a day – typically Arnica for a few days then Calendula until it is healed. You can also dissolve a Calendula pellet in ½ cup water to make a rinse – it works even better this way. If you have dry socket, switch to Ruta grav.
If you have trouble opening the tubes, hold them upright with the clear plastic cap on the bottom and twist the cap hard to release the pellets. You might have to tear off the thin little safety strip.
Sources: All of these are so useful, I recommend keeping them on hand. Get them in the 30c potency (strength) from any health food store, or online, for example www.homeopathic.com.
More information about these natural remedies in my book, A Healer In Every Home.
Find out more about this book: Your Natural Medicine Cabinet: A Practical Guide to Drug-Free Remedies for...
The same natural remedies – Arnica, Phosphorus and Calendula – used preventively are also used afterwards: Arnica – as long as there is soreness and swelling Calendula – until the socket is healed Phosphorus only if there is... More
