I have always been an avid hockey player, and my love took a bad turn one day when I got struck in the mouth with the puck. It was a painful moment that left me with two teeth knocked out of my mouth. Had I taken the right steps after the accident, I could have possibly saved the teeth, but I did not know I had that option at the time. Thankfully, I worked up the courage to visit a dentist and ask what my options for teeth-replacement were. I was worried I would would have to live the rest of my life without smiling, but I was ecstatic to learn that I was the perfect candidate for dental implants. I created this blog to help others realize that there are so many options to replace missing teeth today that no one has to "just live with" an imperfect smile!
Recovery from routine tooth extractions are typically uneventful; however, certain things can heighten the risk for post-extraction complications, which may include infection, oral hemorrhage, and tissue damage. If you take any of the following medications and develop complications after your oral surgery, contact your dentist as soon as possible:
Aspirin
If you routinely take aspirin for pain, you may be at risk for developing an oral hemorrhage after getting your tooth pulled. Aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation, which means that it makes your blood platelets less sticky and less likely to clot effectively.
While this can be a beneficial side effect to those who are at risk for developing blood clots, stroke, or heart attack, it can prove dangerous in people without these risk factors who undergo tooth extractions or other surgical procedures.
If your physician has prescribed aspirin therapy to lower your risk for a cardiovascular event, do not stop taking it without discussing it first. Abrupt discontinuation of your anticoagulant may result in the development of a blood clot, or may raise your risk for heart attack, stroke, or a cardiac arrhythmia.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine are used in the management of allergy symptoms such as runny nose and itchy, watery eyes, as well as sneezing, coughing, post nasal drip, and hives. While effective in managing these symptoms, antihistamines can lead to a dry mouth because they dry out secretions.
Your oral cavity relies on adequate salivary flow to help wash away pathogens and infection-causing bacteria inside your mouth. When the flow of saliva is inhibited, bacteria can multiply in your mouth, raising the risk for infection at your surgical site. To mitigate the drying effects of antihistamines, drink plenty of water or other non-caffeinated beverages after your dental extraction.
While staying hydrated is important, your dentist may want you to limit your intake of too hot or too cold beverages in the first day or so after getting your tooth pulled. Also, after drinking, avoid swishing the water around your mouth so as not to disturb the protective clot that has formed over your extraction site because doing so may result in excessive bleeding.
Corticosteroids
Oral corticosteroids are used in the treatment of systemic inflammation and are often used to help facilitate breathing in those affected by asthma and other diseases of the respiratory system. They are also effective in treating inflammatory skin conditions and allergic reactions, as well as reducing the symptoms associated with certain certain bowel conditions.
Corticosteroids may significantly raise your blood glucose levels, and when this occurs, you may be at a greater risk for developing an oral yeast infection, which can affect your extraction site. If you take these medications, check your mouth for white patches that bleed easily when scraped, as this can indicate a yeast or fungal infection. Treating these types of infections typically involves the use of anti-fungal medications and oral anti-microbial rinses.
If you experience excessive post-extraction bleeding, dry mouth, or white sores in your mouth, see your dentist. Also, prior to getting your tooth pulled, make sure your dentist knows which medications and dietary supplements you take so that side effects can be discussed prior to your extraction.
For tooth extractions, contact a company such as Renovo Endodontic Studio.
Share24 June 2016
