You have been in an accident and severely injured your tooth and now you have a tooth ache. You called an emergency dentist in Barrie and ended up having an emergency extraction. Now what? We have compiled a list of answers to commonly asked questions regarding a tooth extraction.
1. When (and what) can I eat after an extraction?
You may eat soft, nourishing foods as soon as you feel well enough. We recommend that you try to avoid anything very hot or very cold and also that you do not use a straw. Small hard foods such as rice and nuts should be avoided as they may become lodged in the socket and cause delayed healing.
2. The area is still bleeding after 24 hours. Should I come to the office?
You can expect there to be a bit of blood in the saliva for 24-48 hours after your appointment (pink or pinkish-red saliva). If bleeding is uncontrolled or severe, please call our office, or, in the event it is the weekend, go to emerg at the hospital.
3. When can I brush my teeth?
Teeth brushing can resume at 24 hours after surgery, being careful not to disturb the site of the extraction. You may be sore, but we ask that you try to keep everything as clean as possible to help promote a healthy healing environment.
4. When can I return to work?
This will depend entirely on how you are feeling and what type of job you have. If your job is physically demanding and you need to be lifting things, you may want to wait for 2 days of healing before going back. If you work at a desk, and the extraction was not too traumatic, you may be able to go back to work the next day.
5. What can I expect in the first 24 hours after an extraction?
You may notice that your jaw is stiff, the corners of your mouth may be dry or “crack”, you may notice some bruising around your mouth, and you may have a slightly elevated temperature. These are all normal symptoms that you may experience after an extraction.
6. Is there anything I should avoid?
Yes, there is! Please avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, drinking through a straw, smoking, drinking alcohol and exercising for at least the first 24 hours. These activities may dislodge the blood clot that is forming in your tooth socket and could result in a very painful condition called dry socket!
As always, we welcome any questions you may have regarding your healing or your appointment in general. Please also let us know if there is a question you may have that is not covered on this list. Remember, take care of yourself after an extraction due to an injury or tooth ache. Your body is recovering, and it needs you to slow down and take it easy!