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At Norco Family Dental, we understand how important your questions are. Not only do we want to hear them, we encourage them! When you as a patient feel comfortable asking what's on your mind, everyone benefits. You feel better when you understand the treatment we are completing, and we are able to provide you the best care.
While each patient has individual questions and concerns, there are many common ones that can be pertinent to most. If you can’t find answers to your questions here, please feel free to contact us at (970) 356-5277 so that we can help!
Tooth Extraction
If you have to undergo a tooth extraction, your dentist will talk to you about how to care for the extraction site once you get home. You will probably wonder whether you can eat and drink normally after a tooth extraction or if there are special instructions.
Eating and Drinking after a Tooth Extraction
Although tooth extraction is a safe and straightforward dental procedure, it’s essential that you care for the extraction site to promote faster healing. You certainly don’t want to do anything that could slow the healing process or cause an issue, so here’s what you need to know about eating after a dental extraction:
- You should try to avoid solid foods altogether for 24 hours after your tooth extraction. Chewing solid foods can harm the extraction site.
- Try to stick with liquids, but if you need more nourishment, eat soft foods such as pudding or oatmeal.
- Avoid drinking from a straw after tooth extraction because it can keep your blood from clotting correctly at the extraction site.
- Once you begin eating solid food again, chew on the opposite side of your mouth from where your tooth was extracted.
Do You Need a Tooth Extraction in Greeley, CO?
We are ready to take your call if you need a dentist in Greeley! At Norco Family Dental, your oral health is our top priority. We strive to give you caring and compassionate care; you can reach our dental office at (970) 356-5277.
Most patients can return to their normal activities a few days after removing a tooth, although it takes a couple of weeks for your mouth and jaw to heal completely.
You can take a few steps at home to ensure you have a smooth recovery from your tooth extraction in Greeley, CO.
#1 Eat Only Soft, Room Temperature Foods at First
For the first couple of days after your surgery, it's best to stick to foods that aren't too hot or cold, so you don't irritate your extraction site. Here are some suggestions:
- Applesauce
- Soup
- Yogurt
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled eggs
#2 Avoid Dislodging Your Blood Clot
Your blood clot is critical to your successful healing process, and if it comes out, it can result in a painful condition called dry socket.
You can help it remain in place by avoiding actions like smoking cigarettes or drinking through a straw.
It's also good to be very careful and gentle when brushing near your surgical site.
#3 Keep On Top of Pain Management
You can use your prescribed medication to manage pain for the first few days. However, most patients are successful with over-the-counter medicines after that.
If you have questions or concerns about your tooth extraction procedure or recovery instructions, contact your team at Norco Family Dental at (970) 356-5277.
Preparing for tooth extraction can be excruciating, dreading the day of your appointment as it comes closer to arriving. The anxiety and fear you feel as you approach the extraction date should be the worst of it.
Generally, tooth extractions in Greeley, CO are much less unpleasant than most patients anticipate.
Local Anesthetic
A tooth extraction should be painless. After the application of an anesthetic, you should feel no pain. If pain persists before or during the procedure, let your dentist know. It is our priority to make sure that your experience is as pleasant as possible.
This doesn't mean you won't feel anything at all, though. Removing teeth requires placing a lot of pressure on the jaw and tooth, as well as a rocking motion to pull the tooth out. Hearing and feeling the pressure the dentist applies and the sounds it makes can be alarming, but you should not experience significant pain.
After the Extraction Procedure
The patient's post-extraction is often less painful than anticipated too. Your dentist in Greeley will generally prescribe an over-the-counter painkiller to help with the first few days afterward. Because the tooth, which contained all the nerve endings, has been removed, the tooth no longer sends signals to the brain, eliminating the pain the tooth may have been causing altogether.
The Best Tooth Extraction Team in Greeley, CO
Contact Norco Family Dental at (970) 356-5277 for trusted dentistry and tooth extraction, proudly serving patients near Greeley, CO.