Instructions after a Tooth Extraction

Tooth Extraction

What is it ?


Tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone.

What's the reason for tooth extraction ?

If a tooth has been damaged by decay or a fracture, your dentist will try to repair it and restore it with a filling, crown or other treatment. Sometimes, though, the damage is too extensive for the tooth to be repaired. This is the most common reason for extracting a tooth.

Instructions after a Tooth Extraction

Bite on the cotton roll for at least one hour.

Do not spit but swallow the saliva.

After one hour, remove the cotton and take soft cold food ( eg ) ice cream, non carbonated cool drinks or fruit juice.

First dose of medicine should be taken after you remove the cotton. Medicines to be taken as instructed by the doctor.

Restrict yourself to cold liquid diet for 12 hours. Have soft diet from next day.

Do not smoke or drink alcohol for the next 24 hours.

Avoid hard, hot and spicy foods for the next 2 - 3 days.

Avoid chewing on the side of extraction for the next 2 - 3 days.

Swelling on the face / cheek is a normal occurrence after surgical removal of tooth. It will subside in 3 - 4 days.

You can start brushing your tooth from next day. Avoid tooth brush injury to the extracted side.

Do not gargle forcefully. Have gentle mouth washes.

If stitches have been placed, you should come back after a week for removal of stitches.

In case of emergency, Contact Doctor.

Source - Colgate
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