Patients have teeth removed for many reasons like tooth infection, gum disease, orthodontic treatment, and wisdom teeth removal. Knowing what to expect after a tooth extraction can help ease your mind as your body begins the healing process. It is understandable that one of the most common questions asked after a tooth extraction in Leesburg, VA, is, “Is my mouth healing properly?”
Some bleeding is normal. You should expect oozing and a small amount of bleeding within the first 36 hours following a tooth extraction in Leesburg, VA. If you notice an increase in bleeding, place wet gauze on the area and hold pressure for 30 minutes. Tea bags have tannic acid that helps to control bleeding as well. A moistened tea bag can be applied to the tooth extraction site. Please call the office if you have bleeding that is uncontrollable or persists for more than 48 hours.
Some pain is normal. You can expect to have some pain after a tooth extraction as it is traumatic to the body. However, this sort of pain gets better gradually as the site heals. Since this is expected, your doctor will prepare you with the right medication if needed after the procedure. An intolerable pain that throbs and shoots up the ear may not be normal. This is often a sign of dry socket. Dry socket happens when the blood clot is dislodged from the socket before the wound has healed. There are in-office treatments that can be gently applied to relieve pain.
Some swelling is normal. A tooth extraction is a little traumatic for the body, so some swelling is expected as your body is healing. On average, swelling lasts less than 10 days. Ice can be applied for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off during the first 36 hours.
Concerned your mouth is not healing correctly after your tooth extraction or you might have a dry socket? Contact our office immediately!
