Tooth extraction: how to relieve pain and discomfort

After extraction of a tooth it is very common for bleeding, swelling and pain to appear, which causes a lot of discomfort and can even impair healing.Thus, there are some precautions that are indicated by the dentist and that should be started right after the surgery.

The first 24 hours are the most important, as it is during this period that a clot develops at the site of the removed tooth, which helps in healing, but care can be maintained for 2 to 3 days, or according to the dentist's instructions.

In addition to specific care, it is also important not to exercise for the first 24 hours to avoid increased bleeding and only start eating after the anesthesia has completely gone, as there is a risk of biting your cheek or lip.

1. How to stop bleeding

Bleeding is one of the main symptoms that appears after tooth extraction and usually lasts a few hours to pass. Therefore, a way to control this small hemorrhage is to place a clean piece of gauze over the void left by the tooth and bite for 45 minutes to 1 hour, to apply pressure and stop the bleeding.

Usually, this procedure is indicated by the dentist right after the extraction and, therefore, you can leave the office with the gauze on. However, it is advisable not to change the gauze at home.

However, if the bleeding is not decreasing, you can put a sachet of wet black tea in place for another 45 minutes. Black tea contains tannic acid, a substance that helps the blood to clot, stopping bleeding faster.

2. How to ensure healing

The blood clot that forms where the tooth was located is very important to ensure proper healing of the gums. So, after stopping the bleeding it is advisable to take some precautions that help keep the clot in the correct place, such as:

• Avoid rinsing your mouth hard, brushing the spot or spitting, as it can displace the clot;
• Do not touch the place where the tooth was, either with the tooth or with the tongue;
• Chew with the other side of the mouth, so as not to remove the clot with the pieces of food;
• Avoid eating very hard or hot food or drinking hot drinks, such as coffee or tea, as they can dissolve the clot;
• Do not smoke, drink through a straw or blow your nose, as this can create pressure differences that displace the clot.

These precautions are especially important during the first 24 hours after tooth extraction, but can be maintained for the first 3 days to ensure better healing.

3. How to reduce swelling

In addition to bleeding, it is also common to experience a slight swelling of the gums and face in the area around the tooth that has been removed. To relieve this discomfort it is important to apply ice packs on the face, where the tooth was. This procedure can be repeated every 30 minutes, for 5 to 10 minutes.

Another option is also to consume ice cream, but it is very important to be in moderation, especially in the case of ice creams with a lot of sugar as they can harm the health of your teeth. Therefore, after eating the ice cream it is also advisable to wash your teeth, but without brushing the extracted tooth.

4. How to relieve pain

Pain is very common in the first 24 hours, but it can vary greatly from person to person, however, in almost all cases, the dentist prescribes analgesic or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, which relieve pain and that should be ingested according to the guidelines of each doctor.

In addition, by taking the necessary precautions to stop bleeding and reduce swelling, it is also possible to reduce the level of pain, and it may not even be necessary to use medication in some cases.

5. How to prevent an infection

The mouth is a place with a lot of dirt and bacteria and, therefore, after the tooth extraction surgery it is also very important to be careful to avoid a possible infection. Some precautions include:

• Brush your teeth always after eating, but avoid brushing the place where the tooth was;
• Avoid smoking, as cigarette chemicals can increase the risk of mouth infections;
• Make mild mouthwashes with warm water and salt 2 to 3 times a day, after 12 hours of surgery, to eliminate excess bacteria.

In some cases, the dentist may even prescribe the use of antibiotics, which should be used until the end of the package and in accordance with all the doctor's instructions.

Also watch the following video and learn what to do to avoid going to the dentist:

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