Pain Management: Tooth Extraction Maintenance

Patients who recently had a tooth extraction in a dental clinic or those who will soon undergo the same procedure should know this: all patients have varying degrees of pain tolerance but there are ways to combat the discomfort. Here, we’ll provide you with pain management tips through frequently asked questions or concerns from patients, and the answers through which you can resolve them.

●     When in pain, should I take medicine?

You should only take the painkillers as prescribed by your dentist. Painkillers help lessen the discomfort. Although not entirely, the aches and pains you’re feeling in the gum area would become more bearable than it is without. Painkillers you often take to relieve headache would also suffice, however inform your dentist about it and acknowledge his or her opinion. So long as you avoid aspirin, you’d do just fine.

●     Why do I need to avoid aspirin?

Aspirin, even if taken in low dosage, has the potential to cause bleeding in the gum area. Prevent this from happening as early as possible. In case you’re required to take aspirin for reasons excluding the tooth extraction, talk to your physician about your recent extraction or dental implant. Surely, he or she will understand and provide you with effective alternatives.

●     What if my gums are bleeding?

Dental implant, which usually comes after a tooth extraction, causes minor bleeding. It’s perfectly normal whilst the wound is still fresh on both sides. The amount of bloody discharge will vary from patient to patient. Moreover, keep in mind it’s mixed with saliva—the element which makes it look thicker. In case it happens to you, do the following things:

○     Prepare a slightly thick cloth (i.e., small towel or handkerchief)

○     Put gentle pressure on the socket.

○     Hold for 15 minutes or so.

○     Bite the cloth with force.

●     Should I gargle after the procedure?

The simple answer would be no. The tooth socket is basically a fresh wound after the tooth extraction. It needs to heal just like any other wound in the body. Even after you’ve exited the dental clinic where you had the procedure, you have to wait for at least twenty-four hours before drinking hot or alcoholic beverages. Moreover, infection can develop if the tongue continuously touch the socket or if the food gets stuck there. So as much as possible, avoid eating on the side where the empty socket is and avoid touching it.

●     Other than the precautions mentioned above, what else should I take into account?

Whilst chewing food, be careful not to include your cheek as it mostly happens when the gum feels numb. After the procedure, get plenty of rest.

●     In case of infection, what do I do?

Having an infection is extremely painful, to the point where it’s no longer bearable. It happens when the tooth socket loses the blood clot which protects it. It gets exposed to infection like that. In case this happens, set an appointment with your dentist.

The answers to these frequently asked questions should be able to help you manage the pain and the healing process. It might be difficult to bear the pain during the first few days but you’re stronger than you think! Refer to this list in case you have a specific concern which has been discussed here. You’ll do fine so long as you do the right things and avoid the bad ones.