Last Updated on 6 months by M Shojaei ### Post Extraction Care: A Comprehensive Guide to Better Recovery Tooth extraction is a common procedure in dentistry that may be done for various reasons, including severe decay, infection, or misalignment of the tooth. After tooth extraction, special care is needed so that the healing process can proceed quickly and without complications. In this article, we will review all the important points related to care after tooth extraction. #### Reasons for needing care after tooth extraction Post-extraction care is important for several reasons, including: - **Prevention of infection**: The place of the extracted tooth may be exposed to infection. - **reduction of pain and inflammation**: proper care can minimize pain and swelling. - **Acceleration of the healing process**: By following hygiene tips, the wound heals faster. - **prevention of side problems**: such as prolonged bleeding or cavity dryness (silent dry). #### Immediate tips after tooth extraction After tooth extraction, it is important to take the first steps correctly: 1. **Hold the sterile gauze tight**: The dentist usually places a sterile gauze over the area of the extracted tooth. Keep this gauze for 30 to 45 minutes with gentle pressure until the bleeding stops. 2. **Using an ice pack**: Immediately after tooth extraction, place an ice pack on the cheek that is close to the extracted tooth. This will help reduce inflation. 3. **Avoid rinsing your mouth**: Avoid rinsing your mouth for at least 24 hours after tooth extraction to prevent blood clots from forming at the wound site. 4. **Use of prescribed drugs**: Take painkillers or antibiotics prescribed by the dentist exactly as prescribed. #### Nutrition tips after tooth extraction Proper nutrition plays an important role in faster recovery and prevention of complications. Pay attention to the following points: - **Eat soft and lukewarm foods**: Foods such as soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt and smoothies are good choices. - **Avoid hard and spicy foods**: Do not eat foods that may damage the wound, such as nuts, chips or spicy foods. - **Consumption of sufficient fluids**: Water and other fluids help to keep the body hydrated. - **Not using a straw**: Drinking with a straw may cause negative pressure in the mouth and displace the blood clot. #### Oral hygiene after tooth extraction Maintaining oral hygiene after tooth extraction is especially important: - **Brushing other teeth**: Brush your teeth gently but avoid touching the wound area. - **Using prescribed mouthwashes**: After 24 hours, you can use disinfectant mouthwashes. **Gently rinsing with salt water**: after 24 hours, gentle mouth rinsing with salt water solution (a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water) is recommended. #### Things to avoid - **Heavy activities**: Avoid heavy activities or sports for at least 48 hours. - **Smoking**: Smoking can delay the healing process and increase the risk of cavity dryness. - **Alcoholic beverages**: Alcohol consumption can interfere with prescribed drugs and disrupt the healing process. - **Manipulation of the wound**: Avoid touching or sucking the area of ​​the extracted tooth. #### Cavity dryness (silent dry): one of the common problems One of the possible side effects after tooth extraction is dry cavity or "silent dry". This condition occurs when a blood clot does not form or breaks off at the wound site, causing severe pain and the possibility of infection. Symptoms of dry mouth include: - Severe pain that starts a few days after tooth extraction. - Bad breath. - Absence of blood clots at the wound site. If these symptoms occur, see a dentist immediately. #### When should we go to the dentist? If you experience the following symptoms, it is better to see a dentist: - Heavy and continuous bleeding. - Unbearable pain. - Excessive swelling or fever. - The discharge of pus from the wound. #### Summary Taking care after tooth extraction can help reduce complications, speed up the healing process, and prevent serious problems. By following the instructions given by your dentist and paying attention to the points mentioned in this article, you can have a more comfortable experience and a faster recovery. If you have any concerns or questions, be sure to consult your dentist.