Tooth extraction in New Orleans doesn't have to be stressful when you know what to expect and how to recover smoothly. Here's our guide on what you can expect each day after oral surgery.
What to Expect Immediately After Oral Surgery
After your tooth extraction, your dentist will give you gauze to bite down on to apply pressure to the extraction site and stop the bleeding. You'll change the gauze as needed, but it's normal for the bleeding to continue for a while on the first day.
You can use pain medication prescribed by your dentist to manage the pain, or some patients choose over-the-counter medication like Ibuprofen or Tylenol for pain management.
Stick to eating soft foods for the first two to four days after surgery. Don't eat anything spicy or too warm, which could irritate your extraction site. Here are some ideas:
- Applesauce
- Soup — at room temperature
- Shakes or smoothies
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled eggs
- Mashed potatoes
Getting plenty of rest and keeping your head elevated for the first 24 hours after surgery will set you up for a successful recovery. Facial swelling and bruising around the extraction site are common.
Brush your teeth gently and carefully after surgery, avoiding any direct contact with your extraction site.
The Following Couple of Days
You should start to see the swelling and bruising healing and subsiding over the next few days. For at least 72 hours after your surgery, you should refrain from activities like smoking cigarettes, drinking through a straw, or vigorous exercise. The motion of sucking could cause your blood clot to dislodge, which can result in developing an uncomfortable condition called dry socket.
Continue to get plenty of rest, and incorporate solid foods as your mouth begins to feel better.
Contact Downtown Dental
Call your New Orleans dentist at (504) 528-7800 if you have any questions or concerns about your recovery process after a tooth extraction. Our dental team is here to ensure that your healing is smooth and worry-free. We’re happy to address any discomfort you may have and provide guidance for your post-extraction care.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further assistance or would like to schedule a follow-up appointment.