Do you intend to have a wisdom tooth extracted? While complications are uncommon, patients can avoid infection and other problems by adequately caring for their teeth. At High Desert Dental in Grand Junction, Colorado, we can go over all of the details you’ll need for a successful tooth extraction. Follow these post tooth extraction tips recommended by your Dr. Josh Eastham for a speedy recovery.

Aftercare Tips for Tooth Extraction

To ensure outstanding results and that healing proceeds as expected, follow these guidelines recommended by your dentist in Grand Junction:

• Use gauze: It’s normal for some bleeding to occur throughout the recovery process. Gauze can be used to control bleeding at the incision site. Bite down lightly after putting the gauze and try not to disrupt the area. Feel free to replace the gauze as needed.
• Take all antibiotics as directed: Antibiotics will be recommended to the majority of patients before or after oral surgery. Do not discontinue your antibiotics without first consulting your oral surgeon. This could render your medication useless.
• Rest: Avoid strenuous activity for at least a few days following tooth extraction. This allows you to rest and ease back into your typical activities.
• Don’t smoke or use tobacco: Smoking impairs your body’s ability to heal. Furthermore, cigarettes may introduce dangerous microorganisms into your system. Our High Desert Dental team can advise you on when it is safe to resume smoking, but we strongly advise you to quit for good. 

Common Infection Signs

A blood clot occurs naturally after a tooth extraction. This helps to protect the extraction site and prevent bacteria from accessing the area. An infection may occur if this blood clot is weakened or dislodged in any manner. While some bleeding and swelling are common following oral surgery, there are several warning signs to be aware of. If you detect any of the following, please contact your emergency dentist in Grand Junction, CO, right away:

• Excessive bleeding at the extraction site
• Severe pain
• Pus or oozing discharge
• Fever

How to Stop Infection After Oral Surgery

There are several things you may do to avoid infection following wisdom teeth extraction. The most fundamental way is to follow all of your oral surgeon’s directions. High Desert Dental can demonstrate how to clean and care for the treatment site at home. We can also advise you on prescription drugs, what to eat and drink, and any other details we believe are important for tooth extraction recovery in Grand Junction, CO.

Our friend, Dr. Chris Green, a dentist in Parker, CO, says It is very critical that you maintain your oral health following tooth extraction. Patients should still allow the blood clot to heal naturally but still brush the surrounding teeth. Rinse with warm salt water to clean the area. Do not spit or suck on straws until you are healed. As part of your regular routine, we may also advise you to use an antiseptic solution. Do not pick or pull at the extraction site, and please contact our office if you have any questions.

Contact High Desert Dental

At High Desert Dental, we understand how frightening tooth extractions can be. Our team is committed to helping you prepare for your tooth extraction. We’re happy to answer your questions and ensure the success of your treatment. Call our Grand Junction, CO dental office for an evaluation to learn more about wisdom tooth extraction recovery.