Getting a pulled tooth can sound a little scary, but millions of people have teeth removed every year. Whether it’s due to decay, crowding, or injury, tooth extraction is a common dental procedure. Sometimes, it even paves the way for restorative dentistry solutions like dental implants or bridges to bring back your best smile.
If you’re experiencing tooth trouble, restorative dentistry at Dental Care of Lombard can help. Reach Dr. Julie Glud in Lombard, IL, at (630) 629-5700 for an appointment now!
If you need a tooth pulled, you might be wondering what happens afterward. Knowing how to take care of your mouth after a pulled tooth is key to a smooth and quick recovery. So, our dentist in Lombard, IL, has compiled a list of simple do’s and don’ts for you to heal faster and avoid complications after a dental extraction.
Why You Might Need a Pulled Tooth
Dentists always try to save your natural teeth whenever possible, but sometimes a pulled tooth is the best option for your health. Here are a few reasons why Dr. Glud might recommend a tooth extraction:
Severe Tooth Decay
If damage and decay have significantly affected the structure of a tooth, then fillings and crowns may no longer be a viable option. In this case, a tooth extraction is the best and safest way to restore optimal oral health.
Infection or Abscess
An untreated dental infection can spread quickly and cause serious health problems. If antibiotics can’t clear it up, the tooth may need to go.
Crowding
Sometimes, there just isn’t enough room in your mouth! When this occurs, Dr. Glud might need to pull one or more teeth to make space for improved function or orthodontic treatments like braces.
Impacted Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth can be sneaky, often causing pain, infection, or damage to other teeth if they don’t come in correctly. If your wisdom teeth look like they might cause trouble, then Dr. Glud may recommend extracting them.
Injury or Trauma
Accidents happen, and a badly broken tooth may need to be extracted if it can’t be saved. Luckily, Dr. Glud can help you replace the tooth with personalized restorative treatments to restore full function, comfort, and beauty.
If our Lombard dentist recommends a pulled tooth, don’t panic. With proper care, you can heal quickly and comfortably.
What Happens During a Tooth Extraction?
Understanding the process can ease your nerves. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect when getting a pulled tooth:
Numbing the Area
Dr. Glud takes special care to numb the tooth and surrounding gum tissue using local anesthesia. So, you won’t feel pain during the procedure. However, you may still feel some pressure, which is completely normal.
Loosening the Tooth
Our Lombard dentist gently rocks the tooth back and forth to loosen it from the jawbone and ligaments. This sounds pretty scary, but sedative options (like laughing gas or oral conscious sedation) can help reduce anxiety and fear.
Removing the Tooth
Once the tooth is loose enough, Dr. Glud carefully pulls the tooth out.
Stopping the Bleeding
Dr. Glud may request that you bite down on a clean gauze pad to help form a blood clot, which protects the empty socket.
The whole process is usually quick and easier than many people expect. Now, let’s dive into the best ways to care for your mouth after a pulled tooth!
Do: Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions
Our Lombard dentist knows best! After a pulled tooth, Dr. Glud gives you detailed instructions. Follow them closely to avoid complications like dry socket or infection. These instructions usually include how to manage pain, when to change your gauze, and when to schedule a follow-up visit.
Don’t: Ignore Pain or Unusual Symptoms
It’s normal to feel some discomfort after a pulled tooth, but severe pain, swelling, or bleeding could signal a problem. If you experience any of these symptoms, call our Lombard dentist right away:
- Intense pain that doesn’t improve
- Excessive bleeding
- Fever or chills
- Bad breath that won’t go away
Ignoring these signs can slow your healing and cause bigger issues.
Do: Rest and Take It Easy
Your body needs time to heal after a pulled tooth, so give yourself a break! Rest for at least 24 hours and avoid strenuous activities for a few days. Overdoing it can increase bleeding and delay healing.
Don’t: Use Straws or Smoke
Suction is your enemy after a pulled tooth. Using a straw or smoking can dislodge the blood clot, causing a painful condition called dry socket. Avoid these activities for at least a week.
Do: Keep Your Mouth Clean (Gently!)
Good oral hygiene is key to proper healing. You should brush and floss your teeth carefully, avoiding the extraction site for the first 24 hours. After that, continue to gently brush and floss every morning and night, and swish with a warm salt water solution a few times a day to keep the area clean.
Don’t: Rinse or Spit Forcefully
Be gentle with your mouth! Aggressively rinsing or spitting can disturb the blood clot and delay your recovery.
Do: Eat Soft, Nourishing Foods
Your mouth will be tender after a pulled tooth, so stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods. Here are some great choices:
- Mashed potatoes
- Hearty soups or stews
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt
- Smoothies (without a straw!)
- Applesauce
These foods are gentle on your mouth and provide the nutrients you need to heal.
Don’t: Eat Crunchy, Spicy, or Acidic Foods
Certain foods can irritate the extraction site. Avoid these troublemakers for the first week after a pulled tooth:
- Chips and popcorn
- Spicy sauces
- Citrus fruits
- Sour candies
- Hard or sticky candies
Steer clear of anything that could poke, burn, or sting your healing gums.
Do: Use Ice Packs for Swelling
Swelling is common after a pulled tooth, but frosty ice packs can help. Apply a towel-wrapped ice pack to your cheek for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off during the first 24 hours. This reduces swelling and eases discomfort.
Don’t: Drink Alcohol or Carbonated Beverages
Alcohol and fizzy drinks can aggravate the extraction site and interfere with clot formation. So, stick to water and other non-carbonated, non-alcoholic drinks for at least a week.
Do: Plan for Restorative Dentistry if Needed
If your pulled tooth leaves a gap, ask our dentist in Lombard, IL, about restorative dentistry options. Replacing a missing tooth helps maintain your smile, speech, and chewing function. Popular options include:
- Dental implants
- Bridges
- Full dentures
- Partial dentures
Dr. Glud will help you choose the best solution to restore your smile.
Don’t: Rush the Healing Process
Healing takes time. In fact, healing after a pulled tooth can take between two and eight weeks. Be patient with your body and follow these do’s and don’ts to ensure the best outcome. Rushing back to your normal routine too quickly can lead to setbacks.
Schedule a Tooth Extraction in Lombard, IL
A pulled tooth may not be fun, but with the right care, your mouth will heal quickly and comfortably. Need to schedule a tooth extraction? Don’t wait any longer – contact Dental Care of Lombard here to schedule an appointment, or call Dr. Glud at (630) 629-5700 for booking.
