
Healing from wisdom teeth removal, infected teeth extractions, or other dental procedures can be tiring and painful. Healing from dental extractions takes rest, proper oral care, and following strict instructions from your dentist. Patients who have multiple teeth removed or have undergone an intense surgery could be feeling stressed and uncomfortable, making healing seem daunting. If you have recently had a tooth removed, there is no need to panic. You can sleep better and eat by following these healing tips below.
1- Prioritize Rest And Relaxation
After any surgical procedure, relaxing, resting, and avoiding strenuous activities will help your body focus on healing. By not exercising or stressing over your healing, your mind and body can focus on generating new cells and clotting the bleeding. Patients should plan to take the day off work or school, rest in bed or a comfy chair, and take some deep breaths.
2- Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Habits
Even though your mouth is in pain and healing, proper oral care is essential for faster healing. Soft brushing and rinsing your mouth with the provided syringe will limit bacteria or blood buildup that could prolong your healing. Depending on the type of extraction you had, you may need to avoid toothpaste or rinsing your mouth until your surgeon gives you the all clear. Avoid brushing your extraction site, but prioritize cleaning your other teeth during healing.
3- Find Soft But Filling Foods
Eating after a dental extraction can be difficult when you want to avoid infections or dry socket. Most dentists recommend soft foods, but they often don’t keep you full. There are safe food options that can keep you full after an extraction. Some filling but soft foods include:
- Smoothies
- Steamed vegetables
- Blended soup
- Scambled eggs
- Yogurt
- Avocado
- Oatmeal
- Applesauce
- Hummus
4- Stay On Top Of Pain Meds
Prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to limit the pain after a dental extraction. Pain medications can help speed up the healing process by reducing inflammation and keeping you comfortable. Take the medication as prescribed by your surgeon to avoid interfering with healing or overdosing.
5- Sleep Slightly Elevated
Although it is recommended to rest after a surgery, wisdom teeth or other tooth extraction will cause some blood to drip down your throat and into your digestive system. To limit this, you should sleep with your head slightly elevated while healing from dental extractions. Stacking two pillows or using a travel neck pillow is often enough to keep you from swallowing excessive blood.

6- Don’t Hesitate To Reach Out To Your Dentist
Patients who have concerns about their healing process or want to know if something is safe after surgery should not hesitate to reach out to their dentist. Asking questions to your surgeon or dentist is not something to be ashamed of, especially if you want to heal quickly. Your oral providers are happy to help you heal quickly and provide insight on what is appropriate after surgery.
7- Use An Ice Pack
Reducing swelling is important when healing from dental extractions. Patients should use an ice pack or something frozen and wrapped in a towel to reduce swelling. Apply the ice pack to the affected area for about 20 minutes at a time. Don’t leave the ice pack on for too long, or you may notice redness or irritation from the severe cold. Keeping consistent ice on the swelling for at least 24 hours will drastically reduce the swelling for the rest of the healing process.
Dental Extractions From Sunset Dental
Sunset Dental offers wisdom teeth extraction and other tooth extractions when necessary. Our team is proud to serve our local community and provide better oral health to all people. Working with a quality dentist will help you have better oral health, an improved smile, and proper healing after a surgery. Whether you need a complex extraction or a routine dental cleaning, we are here to help! Sunset Dental works with patients of all ages, allowing us to provide comfort and quality care. Schedule your appointment today to take control of your oral health.