How to Manage Pain After Tooth Extraction?

Having a tooth extracted can be a painful experience, both during and after the procedure. Fortunately, there are things you can do to minimize the discomfort and speed up your recovery. Here are a few tips for managing pain after tooth extraction.

How to Manage Pain After Tooth Extraction?

Take Your Medications as Prescribed

We typically recommend that patients take ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) and Tylenol for pain relief after their procedure. Be sure to take these medications as directed and don’t exceed the recommended dosage. If you have any concerns about taking these medications, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Apply Ice Packs

Applying ice to the area can help reduce swelling and pain. We recommend using ice for the first 24-48 hours after your procedure. Wrap the ice pack in a towel and apply it to the side of your face for 15-20 minutes at a time. Don’t apply ice directly to your skin as this could cause further irritation.

Keep Your Head Elevated

When you sleep, try to keep your head elevated on a pillow so that it’s above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling in the area. It’s also important to avoid using straws, spitting, or smoking as this can also increase swelling.

Rinse with Saltwater

We recommend rinsing with salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) several times per day beginning 24 hours after your procedure. This will help keep the area clean and reduce your risk of infection. Avoid brushing near the extraction site for at least 24 hours as this could irritate the area and slow down your healing process.

Conclusion

Having a tooth extracted can be a painful experience, but there are things you can do to minimize your discomfort and speed up your recovery. Be sure to take your medications as prescribed, apply ice packs to reduce swelling, keep your head elevated when you sleep and rinse with salt water several times per day beginning 24 hours after your procedure. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.