Show One of the first post-operative instructions you receive after a tooth extraction is to avoid drinking through straws for at least 24 hours. You might have heard this indication if you or any family member ever had a tooth removed, but do you know why it is so important? This blog explains in detail how your body reacts to teeth extractions and why following this (and any other) post-op instruction is critical. What Happens After a Tooth Extraction?The physiological response to a tooth extraction might vary according to the characteristics of the surgical procedure, as some surgeries are more invasive than others. However, the healing process is very similar in all cases. After all, dental surgery leaves a wound, so the body will react as in any other traumatic event. As soon as the surgeon pulls out the tooth, the empty socket is filled with blood. After a few minutes, the blood tends to get thicker and eventually forms a blood clot. This blood clot is vital to the healing process, but, unfortunately, it can easily get dislodged from the empty tooth socket. In most cases, oral surgeons opt to give stitches to the wound to prevent this inconvenience, but patient cooperation is still crucial to avoid post-operative complications. Why Can’t I Use a Straw After Surgery?Well, drinking through a straw creates suction, which can easily dislodge this blood clot. As mentioned before, this clot is vital as it has two primary purposes: Stop uncontrolled bleeding: this clot stops the bleeding that is inevitably caused by oral surgery. If it gets dislodged, the socket will start bleeding once again, and you might need to visit the emergency room if it doesn’t stop on its own. Uncontrolled bleeding can be dangerous, so please do not hesitate to contact our office or visit the ER if this happens! Avoid dry sockets: the blood clot also protects the remaining bone tissue from getting infected by bacteria. This infection, known as dry socket or alveolar osteitis, is extremely painful and requires urgent dental attention. If you start feeling pain after an extraction, visit the office as soon as possible – dry sockets can take a couple of weeks to resolve on their own without medication or dental treatment. Other Post-Operative RecommendationsBesides avoiding straws, there are other instructions that you should follow after oral surgery to prevent further inconveniences:
If you have further questions regarding this or any other post-op instruction, you can schedule a consultation with one of our oral surgeons at Hill Country Oral Surgery. Our team is always ready to help! Sometimes the after-effects of oral surgery are quite minimal, so all these instructions may not apply. Common sense will often dictate what you should do. However, when in doubt, please follow these guidelines or call the office for clarification. We can be reached at (415) 397-1400. AFTER-HOURS CONTACTIf you are having a problem after regular office hours and need to speak with Dr. Rayher, please call (415) 397-1400. Please follow the prompts or wait on the line and an operator will assist you. The operator will take your name and phone number that will be forwarded to Dr. Rayher. He will return your call. Please turn off any caller ID blocking. BLEEDING CONTROL
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ORAL HYGIENE
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POTENTIAL POST-OPERATIVE CONCERNS
Please call our office if you have any questions. |