Preparing For Extractions? 4 Steps To Help Speed Up The Recovery Process

If periodontitis has caused severe bone loss, and you now have to have your teeth extracted, you're not alone. Statistics show that periodontal gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Before you have your teeth extracted, it's important that you prepare for the recovery period. Here are four steps that will help speed up the recovery process.

Be Pro-Active with the Pain Reliever

When it comes to dealing with post-extraction pain, it's important that you take a pro-active approach. As soon as the procedure is complete, you need to take your pain reliever. If you wait until your mouth is no longer numb, and you're experiencing pain, it will be too late. It's much easier to keep pain away than to get rid of pain once you're feeling it.

If your dentist has ordered a prescription-strength pain reliever for you, ask them to call it in the pharmacist before you leave the office. That way it will be ready for pickup when you arrive at the pharmacy. If you'll be taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, bring it with you to the dentist so that you can take it as soon as you leave the office.

Get Plenty of Rest

Once you get home from the dentist, you need to get plenty of rest. If you're going to lie down in bed or on the couch, be sure to rest with your head propped up. Keeping your head propped up will help reduce swelling. It's also important that you avoid bending over for at least the first day following the extractions. This will help reduce bleeding and will prevent the blood clots from dislodging.

Rinse with Care

Following extractions, blood clots form where the teeth once were. Those blood clots help speed up the healing process. They also ensure that you don't develop a dry socket. To protect the wound, avoid brushing your teeth until you have the go-ahead from your dentist. You should also rinse with care. Place a small amount of water or mouth wash in your mouth and gently swish it from side to side.

Keep Ice Packs on Hand

Following the extractions, you'll probably experience some swelling in your face and gums. You can use ice packs to reduce the swelling and alleviate the discomfort. Place ice packs on your jaw and leave them there for about 15 minutes at a time. If the cold is uncomfortable, wrap your ice pack in a wash cloth before setting it on your face.

If you're going to have your teeth extracted, the tips provided here will help speed up the recovery time and alleviate the discomfort you'll be experiencing. You'll also need to follow any post-procedure instructions that your dentist gives you, as well. For more information, talk to a professional like Cumberland Periodontal Associate.