February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The National Children’s Dental Health Month is a…
Recovery After a Tooth Extraction
The days following tooth extraction are not as horrible as you might imagine. Yes, there is going to be some pain, but with a few simple home remedies, you should be able to keep the pain minimized and be able to carry on with life as normal. The good news is that dental technology has changed so much that the procedure itself is virtually painless and the recovery is much easier than ever before.
Tooth extraction is a procedure we are well versed in, as we have performed the procedure countless times. Of course, we do what we can to save the tooth, but sometimes the tooth is beyond repair and it is better for your health if it is removed. Once the tooth is extracted, we will discuss replacement options for you to ensure that the shape of your mouth and the placement of your teeth do not shift as a result of the removal of the tooth.
Recovery Tips
During the first 24 hours after the procedure, it is highly recommended that you take it easy. This is a time to pamper yourself and just relax. The more you exert yourself, the higher the likelihood of you bleeding, swelling, and experiencing pain become. In addition to resting, the following steps should be taken:
- Leave the gauze that we placed at the site of the extraction in place. It can be tempting to remove it, but this is the best way to minimize the bleeding and encourage the area to clot, which will allow you to heal faster. If it becomes soaked, replace it with sterile gauze right away.
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the area if you have pain or swelling.
- Modify your diet for the next few days, consuming strictly soft or even liquid foods.
- Rinse your mouth after 24 hours has passed, but do so very gently.
- Make sure to keep up your regular oral hygiene, just being very careful in the area of the extraction.
If you are in pain, a pain killer may be prescribed or you may be encouraged to take over-the-counter ibuprofen. The key to minimal swelling, bleeding, and pain, however, is proper rest and care of the area. If you follow our instructions following the procedure, you will be back on your feet in no time and back to your regular schedule.
Dr. Jordan Cooper is from Jacksonville, AR. His father is Dr. James Cooper, a Jonesboro, AR native and practicing dentist of 39 years and his mother, Tracy Cooper, is a dental hygienist from Little Rock. Dr. Cooper graduated high school from Central Arkansas Christian, after which he entered at the University of Arkansas as a Chancellor’s Scholar in 1998.
Dr. David Cole is a graduate from the University of Arkansas, receiving his degree in 2016, and is a huge Razorback fan! He then went to dental school at the University of Tennessee where he received his D.D.S. in 2021. He looks forward to getting to know the Central Arkansas area, and serving his community!
Dr. Rasmussen is a Hot Springs native who graduated from the University of Central Arkansas in 2017 (Go Bears). After receiving his D.D.S from The University of Tennessee in 2021, he is looking forward to serving the central Arkansas community and the wonderful people who live here.
Dr. James Cooper was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas. He studied at the University of New Mexico and graduated from dental school from the University of Missouri, Kansas City. After 2 years of dental experience with the Army, Dr. Cooper moved to Jacksonville in 1973 to practice dentistry.