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Dental Tooth Extraction Aftercare: 8 Things You Need To Know

ByDr Susan Pan, DDS
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Having a tooth extracted doesn’t mean the end of your routine dental care. There are many things to do after extraction as a way to maintain oral health and prevent infection. This article shares 5 things you should do to prepare for tooth extraction and breaks down 8 things you need to know about tooth extraction aftercare.

Preparation for a tooth extraction

Tooth extractions can be a very painful experience, but with proper preparation, it can be done without any painkillers. Here are some tips to make the process as smooth as possible:

  1. Drink plenty of fluids before the extraction. This will help to flush out the area around the tooth and reduce the chance of swelling or infection.
  2. Take ibuprofen or other painkillers before the extraction if you experience any pain. However, be sure to only take them as prescribed by your doctor or dentist – over-the-counter painkillers may not be strong enough to deal with the pain of a tooth extraction.
  3. Avoid eating anything after midnight the night before the extraction. This is because eating can increase the flow of saliva and cause more tooth discomfort.
  4. For dental extractions that require local anesthesia, do not eat or drink anything for three hours before the procedure begins. This will help to prevent any stomach upset during and after the extraction.
  5. After having a tooth extracted, drink plenty of fluids and rest for at least six hours to allow the area around the tooth to heal properly.

General aftercare for extractions

Here are some general aftercare tips for dental tooth extraction:

  1. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid drinking anything cold or acidic for at least six hours after the extraction.
  2. Avoid eating hard foods for at least six hours after the extraction, to reduce the chances of developing an infection.
  3. Wash the area around the extraction with warm salt water, rinsing well.
  4. Take a pain medication such as Tylenol for dental tooth extraction to ease the discomfort your experience during tooth extraction.
  5. If you were given a local anesthetic, it will wear off in 12 to 24 hours.
  6. Eat soft foods like mashed potatoes, cakes or pudding during this time, but avoid hard foods such as ice cream and cold drinks for 8 to 12 hours after the extraction is completed.
  7. Rinse your mouth well with water at least three times a day to flush out debris that may have accumulated in your mouth following the extraction of a tooth.
  8. Avoid using mouthwash for 8 to 12 hours after the extraction of a tooth, as the mouthwash may impede the healing of the incision.
Dr Susan Pan, DDS

Dentist

Dr. Susan R. Pan, DDS, is a highly qualified dentist with a long-standing engagement in the field since 1986. She was a recipient of the Dr. Gerald Z Wright Award for graduating first in her class at Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario. Additionally, she worked as a clinical instructor for new dentists at the University of Western Ontario’s School of Dentistry and graduated from the Dental School of Sun Yat-Sen University of Medical Sciences. Dr. Pan has received recognition for her exceptional work, as she was consecutively awarded the Diamond Winner for the Readers’ Choice of their Favorite Dentist by the Hamilton Spectator in 2014 and 2015, and was nominated for the same title multiple times in 2007, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017.

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