Your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction if you have a damaged tooth that does not respond to restorative treatment. Following this procedure, you should plan a few days to recover properly so that you do not develop issues like dry socket.
This condition can form when a blood clot over the surgical site is dislodged or disturbed, causing a great deal of pain. Dry socket requires intervention from your dental professional to treat. Dr. Caleb Robinson, a dentist practicing in New Philadelphia, OH, lists three tips to prevent dry socket after a tooth extraction.
Continue Careful Oral Hygiene Habits
After a tooth extraction procedure, your dentist will ask you to continue taking care of your smile with your oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing daily.
However, because of the blood clot over your healing site, you will need to be gentle when cleaning your teeth near this area. Your dentist will provide more specific instructions for your unique condition regarding oral hygiene during your recovery.
Avoid Sucking Motions
The combination of airflow and muscle movement when performing a sucking motion with your mouth has a high risk of dislodging a blood clot over a tooth extraction surgical site. For this reason, your dentist will ask you not to use a straw for at least one week after your oral surgery.
They will also recommend that you stop smoking during your recovery period. It may be easier to abstain from this habit if you cut back on smoking prior to your dental procedure.
Stick with Soft-Textured Foods
When the anesthesia wears off after your surgery, your teeth may feel sore. It may be easier to eat soft-textured foods as you recover, such as yogurt and applesauce.
Hard, sticky, or chewy foods may disturb a healing blood clot over your surgical site, so dentists recommend avoiding these types of foods early in your healing process. You may eat more solid foods if you are not in pain the day after your surgery.
More Oral Health Tips from Your Dentist in New Philadelphia, OH
Dr. Robinson is an expert dentist providing tooth extractions and other general dental treatments to patients in New Philadelphia, OH. Our practice also specializes in cosmetic and restorative dentistry for patients of all ages. To schedule a consultation or appointment with us, contact our team online or reach our office by phone at 330.969.6343.