Why You Should Rest after a Tooth Extraction

Tooth Extraction Rosenberg, TX

Undergoing a tooth extraction can be stressful. Dentists do everything they can to save natural teeth, but sometimes, removing the tooth is the way to restore oral health and prevent complications. After the procedure, the dentist will provide instructions regarding aftercare to ensure quick and proper healing.

The importance of rest after tooth extraction

After tooth extraction, patients do not exactly need to be bedridden, but what they want to avoid is overexerting the extraction area. It is important to take it easy, especially in the first 24 hours. This means avoiding any unnecessary bending and stooping and staying off exercises.

Whenever possible, the head should be held in an upright position, including when sleeping as this helps to aid quick recovery. The more intensive the procedure is, the longer the resting period should be. Resting gives the body a chance to heal properly, so patients must take advantage of that.

The dentist will send the patient home after tooth extraction with gauze to cover the surgery site. They will need to bite on the gauze and hold it in place until a clot form in the area for healing. The gauze will need to replaced every three to four hours until the bleeding stops.

Any strenuous activity or exercise might break the clot and open the wound again. Although exercising is good for the body and the health, it is necessary to take a break from that routine during the healing process. Resuming exercising prematurely can increase pain and bleeding. It may have a reverse consequence and disrupt healing. It may cause dry sock, a condition in which the blood clot dislodges, exposing the nerves and bone to bacteria and food particles, causing an infection.

Begin slowly

After a full day of rest, patients can resume with low impact activities. Stretching, yoga or lifting light weights are good ways to start. If pressure or pain occurs, it is advisable to stop quickly. Pain is the body’s way of showing that healing is not complete yet. Avoid pushing too hard. After about five days, patients can lift heavier weights, but they must avoid clenching their teeth.

Tips for a Quick Recovery

After the blood clot has formed, the following simple precautions can help keep it intact and prevent other issues during the healing process:

  • Rinse the mouth with saline solutions or a pinch of salt in warm water to eliminate bacteria
  • Brush and floss regularly to keep the mouth clean, but avoid cleaning close to the extraction point
  • Stick to a diet of soft, healthy foods and snacks that do not need serious chewing. substitute hard and crunchy foods with soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes and yogurts

In conclusion

After about two weeks, patients need usually need to revisit the dentist for a checkup. At the appointment, they will check the tooth extraction area to ensure healing is progressing correctly. Healing is different for each patient, so be sure to follow the recommendations of the dental professional. Rest adequately and treat the mouth gently.

Request an appointment here: https://www.krbdentistry.com or call KRB Dentistry at (832) 361-3929 for an appointment in our Rosenberg office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in Rosenberg, TX.

Related Posts

4 Questions To Ask About Options For Replacing Missing Teeth

It is amazing the amount of confidence that comes from the options for replacing missing teeth. The absence of a tooth or even multiple teeth can make daily tasks like eating and speaking more difficult than they must be. For those who suffer from this, just having the ability to learn more about options can…

What Are Popular Options For Replacing Missing Teeth?

There are a variety of common reasons people are missing teeth. Missing teeth can cause many oral health problems, including difficulty chewing food and the gradual movement and misalignment of your teeth over time. However, there are solutions to dealing with missing teeth, including dental implants, implant-supported bridges, and removable partial dentures. Read on to…

Options For Replacing Missing Teeth: Are Partial Dentures Easier To Care For Than Dentures?

Dentures are a removable option for replacing missing teeth that can provide the wearer with either a full or partial set of false replacement teeth. Your best choice depends on the number of natural teeth that need to be replaced. In either case, a crucial aspect of successful denture wearing is proper care and hygiene…

Dentist Consult For Options For Replacing Missing Teeth

Dentist consultations are a great place to learn more about options for replacing missing teeth. There are several different options for replacing missing teeth. During a consultation, a dentist will help you determine the treatment option that best suits your health and circumstances, guiding you towards a healthier future for your smile.A dentist consultation should…