TOOTH EXTRACTION - HOW WE CAN REDUCE THE PAIN OF EXTRACTION?

Due to different reasons like tooth decay, crowded tooth, protruding tooth, etc, people often have their teeth completely removed and this process is known as tooth extraction.

The extraction is usually performed by a dentist or a dental surgeon depending on the condition of the teeth or tooth to be removed. During tooth extractions, anesthesia is given to patients to numb pain and make them feel calm and the tooth or teeth is pulled out, then a gauze is placed on the place where the teeth are removed to allow blood to clot and control bleeding. Much later after the extraction, the anesthesia will wear off and the pain that was numbed during the extraction will come with full force. This pain can be unbearable which is why it is important to be familiar with tooth extraction aftercare to know how to reduce the pain of tooth extractions.

What To Do After An Extraction

The first thing that is done after an extraction is to apply a cold compress. Ice or cold water is placed over the part of the mouth where the tooth was extracted. After this, further care will depend on a few factors though most people tend to stop experiencing pain after three days of the extraction process. So what is the dental care routine that will help you reduce pain during these three days?

Day 1 and 2
In the first 48 hours after the extraction, it is normal to experience slight bleeding but if the bleeding continues after 48 hours or it becomes excessive in the 48 hours, you should return to the dentist for examination. During this period, blood will clot on the surface of the extraction so you should get enough rest and not bother yourself with work. The gauze used to cover the site of the extraction should be changed often. If you want the blood to clot faster and the extraction to heal, you should avoid rinsing or gargling anything in your mouth within these 48 hours. Spitting can create pressure in the mouth that may disturb the clotting of blood so avoid spitting. You need to avoid anything clotting of the blood, things like smoking, sneezing, blowing your nose, using straws, and so on. While you are resting, use a cold compress over and over to help you reduce the pain. If the pain is too much, use pain relievers and keep your head in an elevated position. If your dentist prescribed any medication for you, ensure that you use them too.

Day 3 – 10
At this point, the healing process is going on and you do not want to do anything that will take you back to waiting for the blood to clot so you have to be conscious of your dental care. Do not eat hard foods or food that involve a lot of chewing because they can get clogged in the mouth and cause further problems for you. You can rinse liquid in your mouth at this time so use a warm solution of salt and water to rinse your mouth from time to time. This will help to kill any bacteria in the mouth, prevent infections, and keep your mouth healthy. You can continue brushing and flossing your teeth but make sure that you avoid the place where the tooth was extracted from.

Sometimes, more than one tooth is removed and this might require a more advanced procedure. the person will be weaker after the extraction and will help to return home after the surgery. In cases like this, the dentist might recommend follow-up visits to take care of the extraction or clotting aids are given to the patient. These clotting aids are placed on the extraction sites and the body disintegrates them over time.

If the tooth that is removed is a wisdom tooth, the person will have to stay longer at home to allow the extraction site to heal before returning to work or school. Clotting aids or dissolvable stitches can also be used to reduce pain for such patients. If there is any other thing that you need to do, the dentist will let you know.

For children, they are given anesthesia to make them unconscious during the extraction and they have to be closely monitored by parents or guardians after the extraction.

Generally, extractions take about 10 days to completely heal. Use NSAIDs, cold compress, and saltwater solution from time to time. If you notice anything unusual during the healing period, do not hesitate to see your dentist.