5 Aftercare Tips for When Your Child Has a Tooth Extraction

Tooth extractions can be uncomfortable, painful, and overall stressful for anyone. Children especially have difficulty having their teeth pulled since they have less experience with dentists and don’t know as much what to expect from such procedures.

If your child has to get a tooth extraction, here are some Kids Tooth Extraction and Aftercare Tips for Greensboro residents that would greatly benefit them.

1. The main thing is to ensure that the blood clot stays in place so that a dry socket doesn’t occur. The site of the extraction may take between 7 and 10 days to heal. Please encourage your child not to spit, rinse, or use a straw for 24 hours after they’ve had this procedure.
2. Put an ice bag on the area that’s been affected right after the procedure. Make sure only to use this for 10 minutes at a time, as leaving an ice pack on too long can cause tissue damage. They’ll also have gauze in place for about 3 to 4 hours immediately after.
3. Restrict them from eating if they’ve had anesthesia until it’s worn off completely. This way, they won’t accidentally bite their lip.
4. Use a salt solution to rinse their mouth 24 hours after the extraction. It should consist of 8 ounces of warm water and half a teaspoon of salt. It’s a good way to cleanse the area and reduce swelling.
5. It’s essential to have the child continue to brush and floss their teeth, taking care to avoid the extraction site. Since it can take several days to heal, you don’t want to stop this dental hygiene practice.

After tooth extractions, you’ll want to stay vigilant of any issues that arise with your child’s mouth, especially at the site of the extraction. Reach out to their dentist with any questions or concerns.

Dr. Sona J. Isharani, DDS of Greensboro, and her team welcome new and returning patients for this procedure and other types of dental work for child patients. Call Dr. Sona Isharani at Triad Pediatric Dentistry on (336) 804-8668 to schedule an appointment today.