When a tooth is severely decayed or damaged, it can sometimes compromise so much of the root that Dr. Wong’s only viable course of treatment is to completely extract it. This can help effectively treat any pain and prevent future infection. Once your gums have healed, he can help you explore your options for restoring the tooth’s presence in your mouth.
To aid in this process, your dentist recommends these basic tips to help you have a speedy recovery after tooth extraction.
It’s natural for there to be a little blood weeping from the sutured gums. You can control the bleeding by biting down lightly on a rolled-up piece of sterile gauze. Once the bleeding stops, you can lightly rinse away any stray blood from your mouth with lukewarm saltwater.
It’s best to try to avoid eating hard foods on that side of your mouth. Accidentally biting down on a piece of food directly onto the healing gums could open the sutures. At the same time, you should avoid drinking beverages with a straw. The increased suction could accidentally pull blood clots loose or cause a dry socket to form.
Tobacco use is especially troublesome for healing gums. Tar, nicotine and other chemicals in tobacco irritate gum tissues. This increases recovery time and greatly increases your chances of developing an infection.
If you’ve recently had a tooth extracted and you have an aftercare question, you can always call Johnson Ranch Dental at 916-784-1700 to seek further advice. We’re happy to help you recover from a tooth extraction in Roseville, CA!