Tooth extraction Houston is necessary when you have a damaged, infected, or diseased tooth. At Cabrera Dental Associates – Houston, TX, dentists can perform tooth extraction when necessary. They have experience using the latest techniques and technologies for a quick and safe tooth removal.
Tooth extraction can relieve pain, remove an infection, and save the rest of your teeth in restoring your smile. After an extraction, you need to take proper care to speed up your recovery and prevent complications. Fortunately, this article discusses how to know if you’ve fully healed after tooth extraction and how to speed up your healing.
Kindly read along.
Healing Stages After Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction in Houston, you have to take proper care in ensuring that the extraction site is healthy. The healing process takes place in stages, and keeping the stages in mind helps you know when your gums are properly healed.
Stage #1
Within the first 24 hours, there will be a blood clot at the extraction site. It is normal to feel discomfort during this period, and also, you’ll experience swelling and minor bleeding.
Stage #2
After the first 24 hours, you should take care to avoid dislodging the blood clot in the socket. Dislodging the blood clot can create a painful complication known as a dry socket. You can prevent dislodging the blood clot by not sucking with a straw or brushing the extraction site.
Stage #3
After three days of your tooth extraction, the gums should start healing and closing around the extraction site.
Stage #4
Within 7 and 10 days of a tooth extraction, the empty socket left by the extracted tooth should be closed or almost closed. Also, you should no longer experience gender or swollen gums.
When Should You Visit A Dentist?
The healing process after a tooth extraction takes about two weeks. Therefore, if you notice specific symptoms during the healing stages, you should contact your dentist in Houston immediately. You should visit your dentist in South Houston if you experience fever, swelling that fails to subside, numbness in the mouth, and excessive bleeding that is not stopping. Also, severe pain in the gums or jaw, pus in the open socket, and a persistent bad taste in your mouth require urgent attention.
How To Speed Up Your Recovery After A Tooth Extraction
Although everyone that undergoes tooth extraction heal differently and at different rates, dentists in Houston recommend specific tips to help speed up recovery after an extraction. It is essential that you carefully follow the following after-care tips.
- Using prescribed pain medications to reduce discomfort
- Keeping the gauze in place in the open socket for at least three to four hours after a tooth extraction
- Avoid rinsing or brushing the extraction site within the first 24 hours
- Rinsing your mouth with salt water several times a day after the first 24 hours
- Applying an ice pack on the extraction site 15 minutes at a time. It would be best if you did this several times a day
- Drinking plenty of liquids
- Eat only soft and healthy foods
- Avoid smoking
- Do not drink hot liquids or eating hot foods
Conclusion
Tooth extraction is necessary for removing diseased, infected, or damaged teeth to prevent damage to surrounding teeth. After an extraction, it may take between one and two weeks for the extraction site to heal fully. Also, following after-care tips can help speed up your recovery process.
If you’re having severe pain in your jaw, bleeding, increased teeth sensitivity, or swelling gums, you may need a tooth extraction. Therefore, it is essential to book an appointment with a dentist in South Houston immediately.
