Sometimes we need to have a tooth pulled. Hopefully it is not often. Maintaining a full set of teeth is important to your health, but there are certain reasons that a tooth extraction is the treatment of choice. If you do have a tooth extracted, there are things you should and should not do afterward to help the area heal properly. Read on to find out how to care for your mouth after a tooth extraction.
Why Extract a Tooth?
There are treatments today to save your teeth despite the issue, but sometimes it comes right down to the fact that you need your tooth extracted. Some reasons for extracting a tooth include:
- Periodontal disease: Periodontal disease leads to tooth loss. If your teeth are loose due to gum disease, extraction will be necessary.
- Health issues: If you have a tooth that keeps getting infected or has an infection that antibiotics won’t eliminate and you have a chronic illness, tooth extraction may be necessary.
- Space: Sometimes teeth are extracted because there is not space for them to erupt (wisdom teeth), or else they may be extracted to make room for teeth to shift during orthodontic treatment (braces).
- Excessive damage: Extraction is necessary when a tooth is excessively damaged or decayed and a root canal or other treatment cannot save it.
Aftercare
After your tooth has been extracted you will have a recovery period of about a week. During this period follow these tips for a successful recovery:
- Take the medications your dentist prescribes
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water after eating
- Change your gauze pads often
- Rest
- Keep your tongue away from the area
- Eat soft foods
- Brush and floss like usually, only gently
- Don’t use mouthwash or drink alcohol until the area is completely healed
ABOUT YOUR GARLAND, TX DENTIST:
Dr. Vi Mai-Truong and the caring staff at Mai Dentistry are dedicated to ensuring that our patients are proud of their beautiful, healthy smiles. With years of experience in general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, we can expertly diagnose and treat early dental trouble to preserve your natural tooth structure. To learn more, or to schedule your next appointment, call our Garland, TX office today at (972) 530-0552.
