An Excruciating Extraction Aftermath: What To Do

After any surgery, there is some risk of pain. If you have recently undergone a tooth extraction, the pain may be mild, especially after taking the prescribed medication. However, the pain could potentially be difficult to bear. If this is your situation, there are fortunately ways in which you can keep the pain to a minimum.

Talk To Your Surgeon About Your Pain Medication

Communicate with your oral surgeon regarding the effectiveness of the pain medication that has been prescribed. If the pain medication is not working, there may be an alternative medication that could be more effective. Sometimes, a combination of two separate medications may be necessary to achieve the desired pain relief. Make sure to take the pain medication as prescribed as early as possible. Do not wait for the pain to set in. Do not take any aspirin because this thins the blood and can make it more difficult for your body to heal.

Bite Down On The Gauze

Your dentist will likely provide you with a gauze pad you can bite down on in order to prevent bleeding. A blood clot will eventually form. Follow your dentist's instructions regarding how long you should leave the gauze in.

Know When The Pain Is A Serious Problem

It is important to determine when pain is normal and when it is a sign of a more serious problem. For instance, if the pain has lasted for longer than three days, this can be a sign of dry socket. This is a condition that is the result of a blood clot forming. The pain from the dry socket can be so severe that you may need a prescription pain medication. If you believe that you have lost the blood clot, contact your dentist. He or she will need to clean the area and will need to apply a gauze to make sure the area is protected.

Have An Emergency Plan

If the pain is bad enough, remember if the dentist provided you with an emergency number. Many dentists will come in to provide an emergency prescription that you can then have filled at a local pharmacy. Some pharmacies are open 24 hours. Another option is the ER.

Don't Smoke Or Drink From A Straw

Do not smoke after you have had a tooth extracted until after you have healed. Also, do not drink from a straw. The force of both of these actions can cause the blood clot to become dislodged. Try to keep your tongue away from the area of the extraction. All of these actions can reduce how much pain you experience. Visit http://renovoendo.com to learn more.

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