During tooth extraction recovery, people must maintain the blood clot that forms in the tooth socket. Aftercare may involve rest, cold compresses, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relief medication.
Tooth extraction involves completely removing a tooth from the mouth. People may require tooth extraction for many reasons, from tooth decay to crowded teeth.
A dentist or oral surgeon will perform the extraction in their clinic and then give the person instructions for caring for the area as it heals.
During the appointment, the dental surgeon will inject a strong anesthetic into the area around the tooth to prevent the person from feeling any pain. They will then use a series of instruments to loosen the tooth before pulling it out.
After removing the tooth, they will place gauze over the extraction site to help control bleeding and promote clotting.