Dental Care After a Tooth Extraction: Do’s and Don’ts

When it comes to oral surgery, tooth extraction is one of the most commonly performed procedures. Whether it's due to advanced decay, gum disease, or preparation for a tooth implant Portsmouth, knowing how to care for your mouth after an extraction is critical for healing and long-term oral health. At Coastal Periodontics, we want every patient to experience a smooth recovery and be well-informed about the next steps for restoring missing teeth.

Do’s: Promote Healing and Prevent Complications

The first 24 to 72 hours after a tooth extraction are crucial for clot formation and initial healing. Follow these recommended practices to ensure proper recovery:

• Apply gentle pressure with gauze immediately after the procedure to help control bleeding. Change the gauze every 30–45 minutes as needed.
• Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek near the extraction site to minimize swelling for the first 24 hours.
• Rest and elevate your head. Limit physical activity and keep your head elevated when lying down to reduce blood flow and prevent additional bleeding.
• Stick to soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes for the first few days. Avoid anything hot, crunchy, or spicy.
• Keep your mouth clean, but gently. After 24 hours, rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day to keep the area clean.
• Consider long-term solutions for tooth replacement, such as dental implants in Portsmouth, which offer durability and help maintain bone structure.

Don’ts: Avoid Common Post-Extraction Mistakes

Ignoring aftercare guidelines can delay healing or lead to complications like dry socket—a painful condition where the blood clot dislodges from the extraction site. Avoid the following:

• Do not smoke or use tobacco products for at least 72 hours post-procedure. Smoking can interfere with healing and significantly increases the risk of dry socket.
• Avoid using straws. Suction can dislodge the clot from the socket, leading to pain and delayed healing.
• Don’t brush directly on the extraction site for the first few days. Instead, gently clean around the area and follow your periodontist’s guidance.
• Stay away from alcohol, including mouthwashes that contain alcohol, as it can irritate the tissue and hinder healing.
• Skip hard or crunchy foods like nuts, popcorn, and chips that can irritate the socket or become lodged in the wound.

Long-Term Tooth Replacement: Dental and Denture Implants

Once the extraction site heals, it's important to address the missing tooth to prevent bone loss and shifting of surrounding teeth. At Coastal Periodontics, we specialize in tooth implant Portsmouth solutions that look, feel, and function like natural teeth. These options include:

• Single dental implants – Ideal for patients missing one tooth, a titanium post is placed in the jawbone, topped with a natural-looking crown.
• Denture implants Portsmouth – For multiple missing teeth or full arch replacements, implant-supported dentures offer a more secure and comfortable alternative to traditional dentures.

According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, over 3 million people in the U.S. have dental implants, and that number is growing by 500,000 annually. These statistics underscore how reliable and sought-after implant dentistry has become for tooth restoration.

Why Choose Dental Implants for Tooth Restoration?

Implants not only restore your smile—they also preserve bone and prevent the sunken facial appearance that often comes with tooth loss. Patients who delay replacement may experience up to 25% bone loss in the first year alone after an extraction. That’s why it’s vital to plan for tooth replacement as part of your overall treatment strategy.

Implants also eliminate the inconvenience and discomfort associated with removable appliances, allowing patients to eat and speak with greater confidence.

Schedule a Consultation for Personalized Care

Whether you’ve recently undergone a tooth extraction or are researching permanent solutions for missing teeth, Coastal Periodontics is here to help. Our experienced periodontists provide personalized treatment options, including advanced dental surgery in Portsmouth, to support your oral health and confidence.

Proper post-extraction care is the first step toward restoring your smile with solutions like dental implants Portsmouth and denture implants Portsmouth. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey toward a healthier, more complete smile.