Many people are afraid that a tooth extraction will be extremely painful or cause them to miss days of school or work. Having an extraction might not be the most enjoyable experience, but the procedure is quick and the recovery time is minimal. Follow these tips for a speedy, comfortable recovery.
Make Time to Rest
Many people who expect pain during an extraction are pleasantly surprised and feel well enough to go back to their usual routine immediately. Even if you feel okay, it’s important to make time for rest after an extraction. The rest will help your mouth to recover and your body will need time to adjust as your anesthetic wears off. Have someone drive you home after your extraction and take the rest of the day to relax.
Have a Pain Management Routine
While some people feel fine right after their extraction, many people deal with mild pain. Talk to your dentist about the best way to manage pain after an extraction. Medication (either over-the-counter or prescription), ice packs, and a liquid diet are all things that can help your mouth recover.
Know What to Avoid
Smoothies and milkshakes are a nice treat after an extraction, but be sure to consume these with a spoon. The sucking motion that you make when using a straw can hinder the healing process and lead to infections. It’s also best to avoid spicy or hard-to-chew foods, as well as hot drinks.
At Sima Dental, we will make sure that every step of your tooth extraction is as comfortable as possible. Call us at 281-457-6444 to schedule your extraction today.