The most important phase of the tooth extraction process is recovery. If you don’t allow adequate time for the empty area to heal after a tooth extraction procedure, you could risk exposing your gums and oral tissue to bacteria, inflammation, and serious infection.
Here are some measures you can take to ensure you’re keeping your mouth as clean and dry as possible after a tooth extraction.
Keep the empty area clean
The tooth extraction site needs to be as clean and as dry as possible to ensure the healing process goes as planned. Frequent rinses with clean water should be enough to ensure the area stays clean.
Take prescribed medication or antibiotics
Your dentist will likely prescribe over-the-counter pain medication as well as antibiotics to keep the extraction site free from bacteria and infection. Please consult with your dentist and review your prescriptions carefully before going home after surgery. It’s often helpful to have a loved one present to listen to care and prescription instructions.
Do not drink from a straw or smoke
Any suction created in your mouth could jeopardize the healing of your extraction site. This could set back your recovery significantly, so it’s important that you prevent this situation by abstaining from smoking or drinking through a straw.