6 Things To Expect After Tooth Extraction
Nervous about having teeth extracted? You aren't alone. Thousands of adults fear going to the dentist each year, knowing that they have cavities and teeth that must be removed. Scared about the possible things that could happen when you have your teeth removed? Here are a few things you can expect:
1. Swelling
You will likely feel some pain following the procedure, but this is nothing to worry about. You will be able use an ice pack to relieve the swelling, and your dentist may also provide you with some painkillers. If the swelling does not decrease steadily, you should call your dentist.
2. Bleeding
You are likely to experience a small amount of bleeding after you leave the office. Your dentist may give you some gauze pads you can change out when your mouth feels too bloody. Getting more rest means that you will not bleed as much, but you should make sure to prop your head up.
3. Stitches
Some people require stitches after the tooth is removed. In most cases, the dentist will use stitching that dissolves on its own. In some cases, you may need to come in to have the stitches removed. If you aren't sure, you can ask your dentist.
4. Oozing
You should expect some liquids to come out of the spot for a few hours. If this continues for longer than one day, consult with your dentist right away. Any puss that comes out of the area should be spit out rather than swallowed as well.
5. Numbing
You should expect your lips and tongue to feel relatively numb for a few hours after the extraction. If this goes on longer than a few hours, you should call your dentist to ensure you are not having a bad reaction to the medication. Most people feel that the numbing medications wear off within just a few hours. During this time, it is important that you do not accidentally bite your lip or tongue trying to chew.
6. Return to activities quickly
You won't need to worry about being out of work or staying away from physical activity following an extraction. You should be able to return to work, school, and exercise the very next day. Just make sure that you are not bleeding intensely when you do.
As always, you should consult with your dentist if you feel that something just isn't right after the procedure. While infection is rare, you may require antibiotics to heal properly after the extraction. Contact a business, such as Renovo Endodontic Studio, for more information.
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