{"id":1255,"date":"2023-03-27T13:24:00","date_gmt":"2023-03-27T18:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pineypointoms.com\/blog\/?p=1255"},"modified":"2025-07-11T17:45:04","modified_gmt":"2025-07-11T22:45:04","slug":"tips-for-extraction-aftercare-from-oral-surgeon-houston","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pineypointoms.com\/blog\/tips-for-extraction-aftercare-from-oral-surgeon-houston\/","title":{"rendered":"Extraction Aftercare: 6 Tips from an Oral Surgeon"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dentists try to help patients retain all of their natural teeth for as long as possible. However, in some circumstances, one or more extractions become necessary. This may occur due to a variety of reasons, including advanced decay, impacted wisdom teeth, or the need to make room for orthodontic treatment. If you know you will soon need to get a tooth extracted, it is important that you prepare to care well for your mouth following your procedure. Here are some tips from an experienced oral surgeon in Houston<\/a> to help you do just that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Manage Bleeding and Swelling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Try to keep your gauze in place for at least three to four hours after your procedure. You can also apply ice to minimize swelling. However, be sure that you only apply ice for 10 minutes at a time. Leaving it on for longer than that could result in tissue damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Take Painkillers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your oral surgeons in Houston might prescribe painkillers for you. Or, if you do not have a prescription, you can use over the counter medications. Be sure to carefully follow dosing instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A surgical tooth extraction is a complex procedure, and it is likely to leave you feeling a little drained. Listen to your body and be sure to get enough rest. Most people take an entire day to relax, then limit their activity for a week or so. When you\u2019re sleeping, prop your head up on pillows because lying flat could prolong healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep Up with Your Oral Hygiene<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should continue to brush and floss your teeth after an extraction. However, you should not touch the extraction site until after adequate healing has occurred. Your Houston oral surgeon may advise you to rinse your mouth with warm saltwater after the first 24 hours fight bacteria and promote healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Protect the Blood Clot<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Soon after your extraction, a blood clot will form where your tooth once was. The clot\u2019s job is to protect the delicate tissues beneath it. If you accidently dislodge the blood clot, you could end up suffering from a painful complication known as dry socket. To protect the blood clot, you should take these precautions during the first 24 hours after your procedure:<\/p>\n\n\n\n