When a tooth is removed, it is considered a surgical procedure. There will be some mild discomfort even after just having 1 single extraction.  Taking drugs like ibuprofen (advil, motrin, etc) can help to greatly decrease pain after a tooth extraction.  Take whatever dose your dentist recommends, and the first pill should be taken before the local anesthesia has worn off.  Continue to take medications for a couple days after the tooth removal. 

A surgical extraction can cause more main after the procedure than a simple extraction.  How long the discomfort will last will depend on how difficult the tooth was to remove. San Tan Valley AZ Dentist Near Me

Here are a few tips to help minimize discomfort and to speed up recovery:

• Ice packs can be placed onto the face to reduce swelling.  Leave on for 20 minutes at a time, then remove for 20 minutes.  If the jaw is stiff and sore after swelling has gone away, try warm compresses.
• Eat soft foods and cold foods for a few days
• Gently rinse with warm salt water, starting 24 hours after surgery.  This helps to keep the area clean.  ½ teaspoon for 1 cup of water.
• Do not smoke, use a straw or spit after surgery.  All these actions can pull the blood clot out of the hole where the tooth was. San Tan Valley AZ Dentist Near Me

If stitches are needed, your doctor may use the kind that dissolve on their own.  To dissolve, expect one to two weeks.  Rinsing with a warm salt water solution will help them to dissolve. #martindental

Reasons to call your dentist or surgeon:

• Swelling becomes worse, not better
• Fever, chills, or redness
• Trouble swallowing
• Uncontrolled bleeding in the area
• Continuous oozing or bleeding after 24 hours  #smilewithconfidence
• Tongue, lip or chin feels numb after 3 to 4 hours after procedure
• Extraction site is still very painful—this can be a sign of dry socket.