If you take good care of your teeth, they can last a lifetime. However, various conditions lead to tooth extraction. This procedure is done to safely remove your tooth because it cannot be salvaged by any means. If you have any questions regarding tooth extraction, our experts at Advanced Dental Associates are available for you. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about tooth extractions. What Can I Eat After Tooth Extraction?
When you undergo a tooth extraction procedure, you need to be careful with the foods you eat. Generally, we advise you to eat soft foods until you recover from the procedure. Here are some of the foods you should eat after tooth extraction.
| • | Smoothies - Fresh fruits tend to be nutritious and refreshing. One of the best ways you can enjoy fresh fruits after having your tooth extracted is in smoothie form. Blend the fresh fruits with some kefir or yogurt for the best nutritional value. This will add calcium, protein, and probiotics that are vital for your recovery. Yogurt is highly encouraged in this mix because it helps neutralize acidic substances and makes the drink safe for your oral cavity. |
| • | Pudding - You can also enjoy pudding after a tooth extraction procedure. Pudding is very easy to make and doesn't involve many complicated steps. Even some of the most mouthwatering puddings can be made in a few simple steps. They are generally soft and easy to chew, making them an excellent option during recovery. |
| • | Scrambled Eggs - We encourage our patients to eat scrambled eggs after the procedure. Apart from being one of the classic soft foods to eat, scrambled eggs are highly nutritious and crucial for your recovery. We recommend mixing Swiss cheese in them for better flavor and nutritional value. There are many ways you can prepare your scrambled eggs. For instance, you can add chopped spinach for a more classic taste. Note that the eggs don't have to be scrambled to be effective. You can have deviled or hard-boiled eggs and still achieve the same results. |
| • | Cool Soup - Lukewarm, pureed, or cool soups are excellent options after an extraction procedure. Soup is highly nutritious and helps speed up recovery. These foods are also easy to chew, and you don't have to worry about them interfering with the wound. The soup contains nutrients like proteins that help muscles feel better and reduce discomfort. |
| • | Hummus - This is another excellent alternative you can enjoy after having a tooth extraction. Hummus has plenty of nutritional value you will need in order to recover. You can spread it on a rice cake or some soft bread. What makes hummus ideal is it adds texture and flavor to practically anything. Remember to use it on soft foods to avoid interfering with the wound. |
When Should I Stop Using Gauze After Tooth Extraction?
Gauze is a special piece of cloth mainly used to prevent bleeding in dentistry. When using gauze for this purpose, you should replace it after 15-minute intervals until the bleeding stops. You will know it is time to stop using gauze when there is only a light pink dot on its left side. At this, the blood clot will have successfully sealed the wound. As you might be aware, the human body has a natural defensive mechanism that stops bleeding through hemostasis. This process automatically starts seconds after we extract your teeth and aims to prevent excessive bleeding.
The hemostatic response involves plugging the extraction socket with a blood clot. Using gauze to block the tooth socket, we help improve hemostatic response by blocking blood flow. This process also encourages the clot to form quicker and prevent damage. It is vital for the blood clot to form around the extraction socket as it kickstarts the healing process. Once this is done, it won't take long for you to fully recover from the procedure.
What Does a Blood Clot After Tooth Extraction Look Like?
The blood clot formed after an extraction procedure looks like a dark-colored scab. This clot forms moments after a tooth extraction procedure automatically. However, if you have a dry socket, the clot will not form, and you can see the bone. This explains why dry sockets appear white. As mentioned earlier, blood clots as the body's natural way of initiating the healing process. However, clots formed after tooth extraction are a little different from others. The blood clot formed after an extraction not only signifies the start of the healing process but also prevents further loss of blood. Keep in mind that blood clots are made of blood cells and platelets. The two substances attract other cells and then produce chemicals that start the healing process.
Blood clots start forming around 12 hours after the extraction.
How Much Does a Tooth Extraction Cost?
A tooth extraction procedure is mostly covered by insurance. However, if you don't have insurance, a simple extraction costs between $75 and $250, and for surgical extractions, prices could increase to around $300 per extraction. Keep in mind that many factors affect the cost of tooth extraction. For instance, the type of extraction performed influences the cost.
When Can I Smoke/Drink After Tooth Extraction?
We recommend that you wait for at least 72 hours after a tooth extraction before smoking or drinking. If possible, avoid smoking or drinking until you fully recover from the procedure. Take a break from all smoking and drinking habits until your gums are fully healed and in good condition.
Smoking after an extraction procedure is highly discouraged because it results in various complications. This is because, after the procedure, your mouth is in a very delicate state. The blood clot formed in the extraction socket can be forced out of position due to smoking. This causes bleeding and prolongs the healing process.
Schedule an Appointment for Extraction Today!
While your teeth are meant to last for many years, there are several circumstances that necessitate extractions. If you need your tooth extracted due to various conditions, our team at Advanced Dental Associates is ready to help. Call us at (210) 714-5589 to learn more about tooth extraction and why it might just be what you need.