Hi ripply,
Most of the time, there are NO post op complications. The typical sign of a dry socket developing is on the 3rd to 4th day post op, you suddenly develop pain. If that occurs, do not wait to see the oral surgeon .... go see him so the socket can be treated. The sooner you have it treated the better the outcome.
Regarding eating... it is imperative that you eat a whole foods nutritious diet. You need healthy nutrition to heal properly. If you don't eat or you eat refined foods/junk then your immune system will be compromised and complications can occur. You need to stay hydrated by drinking water, nothing else, throughout the day for several days. This helps to flush out any toxins or bacteria that are filtering through your system.
Some food choices are:
Soft foods that do not require a lot of chewing. Like vegetables, mashed potatoes (sweet potatoes are very nutritious), any fruit without seeds, sliced apples and pears, baked chicken, eggs, make fruit and vegetable smoothies in the blender.....
Do not be afraid to eat. Eat mindfully and try to stay on the opposite side of your mouth. A little food debris is NOT going to affect or hurt the extraction site. Be sure to rinse 3-4 times with warm salt water, gently, today and tomorrow. By the fourth-fifth day you can rinse a bit more aggressively and increase that intensity as the days go on.
Brushing your teeth.... it is imperative that you brush your teeth to keep the plaque down. Plaque is sticking bacteria that builds up quickly on the teeth and around the gum line if it is not removed every day. This bacteria can cause infection and pain and will inhibit the healing of the extraction. It is not necessary to use any toothpaste and avoid any mouthwash. Just use a soft wet toothbrush. But make sure you brush twice a day and floss all of your teeth at night.
The key to healing without complications is to keep the mouth clean and healthy. You can do this by eating nutritiously, rinsing with warm salt water and brushing/flossing your teeth every day.
I hope this information is helpful to you.
Bryanna
Quote:
Originally Posted by ripply
I'm really hoping for any advice. It's only been one day since my upper molar extraction but I'm not swollen and although a bit sore, it's minimal for now. I'm really terrified about dry socket and keep thinking this may be the calm before the storm. I keep reading that people think they're improving and then after a few days, they get dry socket and the worst pain imaginable.
I've been following my dentists advice sheet about aftercare but regarding eating, it just says to avoid foods that are hard or crunchy, and eat on the opposite side. I feel too scared to put any food in there in case something gets near the hole. I've managed a yogurt but just a spoonful of mashed potato scared me and I didn't eat any more. I'm now really hungry. I'm also too scared to brush my teeth as I keep thinking that some toothpaste might get in there too and irritate it.
Does anyone know when it is safe to eat something, and when I can be sure my risk of dry socket is over?
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