Tooth extractions are a common dental procedure, especially wisdom teeth removal. There are certain steps you need to take to prevent infection or dry socket after you have oral surgery in order for the site to heal properly. Dry sockets can be extremely painful, so following these steps can help you heal normally without pain. These tips are recommended by dentists and oral surgeons to help patients heal quickly and without unnecessary pain.
What Is Dry Socket?
After wisdom teeth removal, you will have open wounds in the back of your mouth, which can experience infections or irritation. Dry socket is caused when a blood clot covering the extraction site is dislodged by sucking or chewing food. When the blood clot is dislodged, the surgical site is exposed to air, bacteria, and small food particles.
Avoid Using Straws
The best way to avoid dry socket is to avoid drinking through straws for a few weeks. Suction can cause a blood clot to dislodge and expose the underlying nerves easily. The most common cause of dry socket is from patients drinking through a straw. Even though you should be drinking liquids and staying hydrated after a wisdom tooth extraction, drink from a cup or a mug to avoid dry socket.
Eat Soft Foods And Liquids
It will be difficult to eat after wisdom teeth extraction, so eating soft foods and drinking plenty of water will help you avoid food particles from sticking in the extraction site. In order to heal properly, easy-to-chew foods, smoothies, applesauce, or broth are great options after getting your wisdom teeth removed. A few days of soft foods or a liquid diet can be challenging, but it is necessary for proper healing. Patients should also avoid eating chips, nuts, or popcorn as these small shards can get stuck in the removal site or irritate it.
Sleep Is Important
Those who have had oral surgery may worry about lying down or sleeping afterwards, but rest is crucial for healing. Rest, not necessarily sleeping, is the best way to speed up the healing process. Avoiding excessive exercise and doing low-maintenance activities is essential after oral surgery. Sleeping with your head slightly elevated on two pillows can help with bleeding and swelling.
Clean The Sites With A Syringe
Your dentist or surgeon will give you a syringe after your surgery to help remove food particles from the surgical site. Spraying the open spot with water in the syringe will dislodge any food particles that could become infected and lead to dry socket or gum infections. Patients should wait about 5 days before using the syringe to clean their removal sites to avoid dislodging the blood clot that leads to dry socket.
Avoid Smoking Or Tobacco Use
Similar to sucking on a straw, smoking a cigarette could also disrupt the clots in your surgical site. The chemicals and tar in cigarettes and tobacco can also lead to infection or constricting blood vessels, which slows down the healing process. Drinking and smoking will prolong the healing process, making the risk of dry socket last for weeks, rather than days.
Rinse With Salt Water
Gently rinsing your mouth with salt water after meals can help keep your extraction site clean. Swishing gently with salt water will help remove particles from the small areas of your mouth without putting too much pressure on the healing surgical sites. The salt in the water can help slightly elevate the mouth’s pH, which makes it inhospitable for bacteria. Rinsing with salt water helps to clean the mouth of food and any bacteria that could be forming. Spit the water out gently, too, as forceful actions could dislodge the blood clot as well.
Services From Jenson Dental
Jenson Dental offers general and cosmetic dental services to patients in the Brigham City, UT, area. Our dentists and dental hygienists are here to help you smile with confidence by providing thorough cleanings, quality extractions, and cosmetic procedures. We work with all patients to create a tailored treatment plan that will help them achieve better oral health. Whether you need your wisdom teeth removed, dental implants, or bonding, we can help you love the look and feel of your teeth. Reach out to our team to learn about all of our services and schedule your appointment today.
