Nobody wakes up hoping to hear they need a tooth extraction. Whether it’s a damaged tooth that can’t be saved or those pesky wisdom teeth finally making their presence known, the thought of oral surgery can be nerve-wracking. At Keep Smiling El Paso on Zaragoza St., we understand those nerves. But we also know that with the right team and the right aftercare, the process is smoother and less scary than you might think.
Our goal isn’t just to fix your smile; it’s to make sure you feel supported from the moment you walk through our doors until you are fully healed at home. If you are facing a potential extraction or wisdom tooth removal, this guide will walk you through what to expect and, most importantly, how to take care of yourself afterward.
Why Do We Need Extractions?
While our primary goal is always to save your natural teeth, sometimes an extraction is the healthiest choice for your mouth.
Common reasons include:
- Severe Decay: If a cavity reaches the center of the tooth (the pulp) and cannot be fixed with a root canal.
- Periodontal Disease: Advanced gum disease can loosen teeth, requiring removal.
- Impacted Teeth: This is the most common reason for wisdom tooth removal. When teeth don’t have room to grow, they can become impacted (stuck) in the jaw, leading to pain and infection.
- Crowding: Sometimes, to straighten a smile with orthodontics, a tooth may need to be removed to create space.
Rest assured, our team at Keep Smiling El Paso uses modern techniques and anesthesia options to ensure your comfort during the procedure. But the success of your recovery largely depends on what happens after you leave our chair.
The Road to Recovery: Your At-Home Care Guide
Recovery is a crucial part of the process. Following post-operative instructions helps prevent complications like dry socket (a painful condition where the blood clot dislodges) and ensures you heal quickly.
We have compiled our official care instructions below. Think of this as your recovery checklist.
Immediate Post-Operative Care
The first 48 hours are critical for healing. Your body needs to form a blood clot at the extraction site to stop bleeding and protect the bone.
- Bite Down: Keep biting on the gauze pad we give you for at least 30 minutes after your appointment. Pressure helps stop the bleeding.
- Change Gauze Wisely: If bleeding persists, replace the gauze. However, try to apply consistent pressure rather than changing it every few minutes, which can disturb the clot.
- Manage Oozing: Slight bleeding or oozing is normal for the first day or two. Pro tip: Cover your pillow with an old towel or pillowcase to avoid stains while you sleep.
- Ice It: On the day of surgery, use ice packs on the side of your face—20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. This works wonders for reducing swelling before it starts.
- Expect Swelling: Don’t be alarmed if your face looks a bit puffy. Normal swelling peaks within 48-72 hours and will slowly subside after that.
Critical “Do Not” Rules
To protect that vital blood clot, there are several things you absolutely must avoid.
- No Smoking: DO NOT smoke or use smokeless tobacco for at least 48 hours. The suction and chemicals can severely delay healing.
- No Alcohol: DO NOT consume alcohol for at least 48 hours. It can thin your blood and interfere with pain medication.
- No Suction: AVOID spitting, rinsing, swishing, or sucking through a straw for at least 24 hours. The suction motion is the number one cause of dry socket.
Activity Levels
You have full permission to be lazy! Your body uses energy to heal, so don’t waste it on running errands or hitting the gym.
- Go Home: Go directly home after surgery. If you were sedated, do not take stairs by yourself.
- Rest Up: DO NOT engage in sports, aerobics, or heavy lifting for at least 3 days. Increasing your heart rate can cause the extraction site to start bleeding again.
Medications and Pain Management
We will ensure you have the right medication to manage any discomfort.
- Follow Orders: Take all medications exactly as directed. If antibiotics are prescribed, you must take them until they are gone—don’t stop just because you feel better.
- Safety First: DO NOT drive or operate machinery while taking prescribed pain medication.
- Oral Hygiene: Use any prescribed mouth rinse as directed, but usually, you should wait until 24 hours after surgery to start rinsing gently.
What to Eat (The Soft Diet)
Your diet will look a little different for the first few days. A soft diet is recommended for the first 24-48 hours. This prevents food particles from getting lodged in the site and protects the area from trauma.
Great foods to eat:
- Pastas and mashed potatoes
- Soup (warm, not boiling hot)
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt and pudding
- Milkshakes and seedless smoothies (remember: no straws!)
Foods to AVOID for the first week:
- Straws (we can’t say this enough!)
- Fruits with seeds (strawberries, raspberries)
- Popcorn, chips, and nuts
- Acidic foods like oranges or tomato sauce
- Carbonated drinks
Make sure you drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, which aids the healing process.
When to Call Us
Most recoveries are uneventful, but it is important to know the warning signs. Contact Keep Smiling El Paso immediately if you experience:
- A temperature greater than 101.5 degrees.
- Increasing pain or pain that does not go away with medication.
- Bleeding or swelling that seems excessive compared to what we told you to expect.
Your Partner in Oral Health
At Keep Smiling El Paso, we pride ourselves on being more than just a dental office; we are your neighbors on Zaragoza St., committed to keeping our community healthy. Whether it’s a simple extraction or complex wisdom tooth removal, our experienced team is here to guide you through it with compassion and expertise.
If you have a tooth causing you pain or suspect your wisdom teeth are coming in, don’t wait. Schedule a consultation with us today. Let’s get you out of pain and back to smiling.
