Can You Go To Work the Day After Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is a standard procedure performed daily at most dental offices. Modern dental methods help make the procedure stress-free and painless. But can you go to work the day after tooth extraction? In this article, we talk about the necessary steps you should take to ensure swift and complication-free recovery from a tooth extraction.

Can You Go To Work the Day After Tooth Extraction?

Tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that puts some strain on your body and requires recovery time. After the procedure, you are likely to experience such symptoms as bleeding, pain, and swelling at the surgery site. Tissue and bone surrounding the tooth may also be damaged during the procedure and, in such cases, require additional care and longer recovery time.

For this reason, it is generally not recommended to go to work the day after the procedure. Instead, take a day or two off and rest. It is also highly beneficial to get a full night’s sleep before and after the procedure. 

Assuming the tooth is not extremely misaligned and there are no contributing personal factors, the tooth extraction procedure is quick and uncomplicated and causes very minimal damage to the surrounding tissue. Some patients may not experience much pain or swelling at the surgery site and might be tempted to return to their daily activities right away. However, even in such cases, it is still best to take some time off to avoid provoking complications.

Why Do You Need to Rest After Tooth Extraction

Excessive physical strain increases blood flow to the head. As a result, the bleeding at the surgery site might get stronger or start anew. This might intensify the pain and prevent the blood clot from forming in the socket of the extracted tooth. The formation of a blood clot is a necessary step in healing after tooth extraction. If it can not properly form or gets dislodged, a condition called “dry socket” occurs. This condition is not only painful but also prolongs the time needed for recovery.

In addition, you might need rest after receiving anesthesia or sedation during the surgery. If tooth extraction is performed using IV or oral sedation, you will most likely need several hours to fully recover until you can drive or engage in other activities that require paying attention. 

Tips for Swift Recovery After Tooth Extraction

On average, patients should allow about 7 to 10 days to recover completely after tooth extraction. Recovery can take more or less time, depending on your specific procedure and prior health.

Apart from taking plenty of rest and avoiding physical activities for several days after the procedure, there are several other important tips you should follow to avoid any unnecessary complications:

• Switch to a liquid died on the first day after the surgery. Examples of such a diet include smoothies, broth, yogurt, etc.
• Starting on the following, adhere to a soft diet for a couple of days and avoid chewing on the site of the surgery. Examples of soft foods include mashed or pureed vegetables, cottage cheese, pureed soups, soft bread without seeds, cheese, soft cutlets, etc.
• Make sure that your diet has good nutritional value, as your body requires plenty of vitamins, minerals, and protein to regenerate.
• Abstain from nicotine and alcohol. Both these substances slow down regeneration. In addition, the suction created in the mouth when smoking can dislodge the blood clot in the socket. 
• Also, to avoid dislodging the blood clot, do not use a straw for drinking. 
• Maintain good oral hygiene by thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day, but be very careful when brushing at the surgery site. 
• Use a saltwater rinse after meals to kill bacteria in the mouth and keep the surgery site clean. However, make sure not to swish the water in the mouth, as this can also dislodge the blood clot. 
• If you experience swelling in the face, use cold compresses, keeping them to the outside of your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Take a 30-minute break between the sessions. 
• Use over-the-counter medication to manage pain, staying within the recommended dose.
• Take an entire course of antibiotics if your dentist prescribes them.
• Contact your doctor immediately if the bleeding, swelling, or pain intensifies or lasts for more than several days.

Make an Appointment Today

Tooth extraction can be daunting. However, making an appointment with a reliable and experienced dentist will ensure that the procedure is as stress-free and smooth as possible. If you require a tooth extraction, do not hesitate to call the Chino Aesthetic Dental office today and sign up for a consultation.

We look forward to your visit.