Smoking and alcohol
After tooth extraction, it is recommended not to smoke or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours after the procedure. Both smoking and alcohol harm the healing process and can lead to complications.
Rinsing
Do not rinse your mouth or spit saliva in any way for at least 24 hours after tooth extraction, as a blood clot may be removed from the wound. You may rinse gently with disinfectant solutions recommended by your doctor for several days 1 to 2 days after removal, especially after meals. Do not apply heavy force during rinsing, the antibacterial solution is only kept in the mouth for up to 1 minute. Strong rinsing can lead to the removal of a clot or medication from the wound, which can affect the development of inflammation.
Swelling
If a surgical tooth extraction has been performed to reduce swelling, place an ice bladder wrapped in a towel or other cloth on the cheek in the projection of the surgical area. The cold is to be kept at intervals of about 20 minutes, with breaks of 15-20 minutes, and this is to be repeated 3-4 times, during the first hours after the extraction. After the surgical removal of the tooth, swelling may increase for the first 2-3 days. This is a normal postoperative course.
Pain
When the tooth is removed, use painkillers prescribed by your doctor for anaesthesia. It is normal for you to feel mild pain during the first 2-3 days after tooth extraction, even if you are taking painkillers.
Food and drink
You can eat and drink after 2 hours after extraction. Eat only non-hot, easily chewable, soft food and drink liquids at room temperature. This is recommended for the first two days (24 to 48 hours) after extraction. To chew on a healthy side is recommended.
Stitches
Do not touch the stitches with the tongue, as this traumatises the wound. The doctor must explain whether it will be necessary to remove the stitches or not. If so, a specific time will be allocated for this. This is usually done 6-14 days after the procedure.
Medicines
If you have been prescribed medicines, take them in the doses prescribed.
Oral hygiene
Proper oral hygiene will speed up healing. In the first days after the surgery, be careful not to damage the surgical site and the stitches. Brush your teeth gently, do not touch the operated area. It is possible to mechanically clean the teeth further away from the extracted tooth, but it is not recommended to use toothpaste. This will help to avoid rinsing and possible dislodgement of the clot. After about 2 days, you can return to normal oral hygiene.
- All the dental care products you need can be purchased in our clinic.
Physical and other activities
To avoid any physical exertion for at least 3-4 days after tooth extraction is recommended. Also, to avoid heating procedures for at least 1 week after tooth removal is recommended.
Post-operative care
If you have had an operational (surgical) tooth removal, you may need medical supervision (dressings, washings) during the postoperative period. The treatment regimen and possible appointment times specifically for you should be specified by the doctor who performed the surgery.
- If the measures applied did not help and after 3-5 days after tooth removal there is severe pain, painkillers do not help, swelling persists or increases, contact your doctor. Severe pain and increasing swelling may be one of the signs of complicated wound healing.
