How Can You Keep Your Mouth Healthy After a Tooth Extraction? 

At Great Lakes Dentures and Implants, we believe your natural teeth should last a lifetime. We are pleased to offer a range of restorative dentistry solutions to maintain healthy, functional smiles. However, there are times when a tooth extraction is the only option to safeguard your oral health. Dr. McGuire and his dedicated team are committed to providing you with a comfortable and stress-free experience, from extraction to aftercare.

Why Would You Need to Have a Tooth Extracted? 

There are many reasons why you may require a tooth extraction, including the following: 

• Extensive Decay: Left untreated, tooth decay can continue progressing, leading to pain, infection, and complications. If a tooth can no longer be repaired, extracting it may be your only option to safeguard your oral health. 
• Periodontal Disease: Periodontal disease can affect the bone and tissues supporting the teeth, leading to loose teeth. If a tooth has lost its support, we may need to extract it to restore your healthy smile. 
• Trauma: An accident can sometimes cause irreparable tooth damage. In that case, we may have no choice but to remove the affected tooth. 
• Orthodontic Treatment: Selective tooth extractions are often a component of an orthodontic treatment plan. They help create the space needed for the remaining teeth to move into alignment. 
• Tooth Impaction: A tooth can become impacted, or trapped in the jawbone, which is often the case with wisdom teeth. Extracting the affected tooth can prevent pain, infection, and a host of oral health complications. 

How Can You Keep Your Mouth Healthy After a Tooth Extraction?

Here’s a look at some things you can do to promote healing and keep your mouth healthy after a tooth extraction: 

• Aftercare Instructions: Our team will provide you with aftercare instructions to promote healing. Let us know if you have any questions or concerns in the days following your tooth extraction. 
• Pain Relief: Depending on the type of extraction, you may experience discomfort and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relief medication can help ease your pain, and cold compresses can help reduce swelling. 
• Immediate Aftercare: Bite down on a clean gauze for a few hours. That helps stop the bleeding and helps a blood clot form in the extracted tooth’s socket, which is essential to the healing process.  
• Diet Choices: In the days following the extraction, opt for soft foods like mashed potatoes, lukewarm soup, or yogurt. Avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods so you don’t irritate the extraction site. 
• Preventing Dry Socket: It’s important to avoid smoking, drinking through a straw, spitting, or vigorous rinsing for the first 48 hours. Otherwise, you risk dislodging the clot forming, which can cause a complication known as dry socket. 
• Brushing and Flossing: Avoid brushing by the extraction site for at least 24 hours and be gentle in the following days. We also recommend rinsing with salt water after your meals and before you sleep to keep the area clean. 
• Follow-Up Care: Make sure to keep up with any appointments after your extraction. Meanwhile, if you have any increased bleeding or pain, contact our office for guidance. 
• Replacing Missing Teeth: Depending on the location of the extracted tooth, Dr. McGuire may recommend a dental bridge, implant restoration, or partial denture to fill the gap in your smile. Your new replacement tooth will enhance your oral health and your quality of life. 

Tooth Extractions Near Me in Plainwell, MI

Dr. McGuire and his exceptional team at Great Lakes Dentures and Implants are happy to provide aftercare tips and support to help promote healing and keep your mouth healthy after tooth extraction. If you have any questions or concerns, make sure to let us know. We invite you to call us at 269-888-6686 to schedule your appointment or request one online today!