Tooth extraction, though it’s often an emergency procedure, can be an effective way to replace missing teeth with dental implants or bone grafting procedures. However, it’s important to care for the affected area after extraction properly so that your smile can heal as quickly and as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips on how to care for an emergency tooth extraction so that you can get back to your day-to-day life and smile makeover as soon as possible.
Smile Before & After
Emotional pain and stress aside, there’s a reason why dentists and patients are so fascinated with smile makeovers: They can be life-changing. A proper smile makeover can completely alter how people view us—and how we see ourselves. Before your tooth extraction, seek out a cosmetic dentist or oral surgeon; they’ll have years of experience executing smile makeovers like yours, so you don’t need to worry about picking up any additional skills on your own. After all, there’s more than one way to skin a cat… unless you need your skinning done by someone else, in which case it’s best not to use analogies involving cats at all.
Call your dentist
It’s tempting to ignore your teeth after a tooth extraction—after all, you don’t want to stir up trouble when it comes to pain and discomfort. However, if your dentist can see you right away, they can apply a stitch or take some time with a rubber tip on your finger to prevent any unnecessary damage that might come from biting down on food and hard objects. Let them know how you’re feeling and try not to stress about having a smile makeover in emergency situations; most of all, make sure that you understand how long it will take before everything heals so that you can get back out there with confidence.
Get there ASAP
One of the most important things you can do after having a tooth extraction is protecting your smile. If you’re in doubt, don’t hesitate to visit your dentist. You want to keep away from sugary drinks and foods like ice cream until your wound has completely healed. Plus, avoid chewing on that side of your mouth—it’s best if you let a professional handle dental work for you until it’s fully recovered. On top of caring for your wound, follow these tips and tricks to get yourself back into fighting shape as soon as possible
Remove any filling or crown in the area
The dentist will likely remove any crowns or fillings surrounding your emergency tooth extraction. This helps avoid accidentally dislodging a filling or crown while removing your tooth. The dentist may use a drill or hand instrument to gently remove these dental restorations. Once they’re out, you can feel comfortable knowing they won’t be damaged during your emergency tooth extraction procedure.
Clean up at home
For a quick smile makeover, use hydrogen peroxide and a cotton swab or toothbrush (non-metal) to clean around your mouth and any remaining tooth fragments. The American Dental Association recommends rinsing with warm salt water at least once daily until new teeth come in. If you’re experiencing pain, apply ice packs, cold compresses or over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed. Continue brushing twice daily with fluoridated toothpaste until all of your new teeth have arrived—and get regular dental checkups to help keep them there!
