Tooth extraction is a safe dental procedure that works towards maintaining your oral hygiene. However, to make the procedure successful, there are steps you should take to promote the healing process. Fortunately, none of them are difficult, and they do make recovering faster and more comfortable.

Maintain honest communication with your dentist

Prior to your tooth extraction, your dentist will want to learn more about lifestyle factors and health conditions that will affect the procedure. For example, they'll ask about how much you drink, whether you smoke, and medications you take.

Being honest with your dentist before the procedure allows them to tailor their treatment plan to your needs. For example, if you do have a condition that compromises your immune system, they may want to give antibiotics. Or, they'll help you find smoking cessation support so you can enjoy smoother wound recovery.

Gently rinsing during the initial healing process

During the first 24 hours after the procedure, you should approach the wound site with caution. Don't rinse it, and don't brush it while attending to your other oral hygiene needs. Rinsing and brushing too early prevents blood clots from forming. When your body forms a blood clot, it allows healing agents to reach the area, which means it's important to allow one to form.

After this point, you must only rinse gently using a saline solution — this means salty water. Again, rinsing too vigorously will disrupt the clot. Not rinsing at all may allow bacteria to reach the wound, resulting in inflammation that makes it difficult to heal. Before and after the procedure, your dentist will explain what they want you to do.

Avoid activities that encourage bleeding and disrupt the healing process

Although it's tempting to settle down with a cold glass of wine when you're having a bad day, this thins your blood. As a result, the clot won't form, and your wound site will bleed more. Additionally, your dentist may advise stopping or adjusting medications such as warfarin for the same reasons.

Similarly, try to avoid activities that raise your blood pressure and disrupt wound healing. This includes smoking, which tightens your blood vessels and reduces their ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the healing area. If you're having difficulty quitting, look at cessation aids, such as gums and patches.

During the healing process, your dentist will likely give you the okay to try basic analgesics — such as paracetamol. Follow their advice and you'll find your tooth extraction is a successful procedure.

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