Tooth extraction is a surgical procedure that involves removing a tooth from its socket. This procedure is usually less painful than one might expect, thanks to modern technologies and the instructions of your dentist, which should be followed carefully.

Extraction is typically recommended when there is no other option or when the options to preserve the tooth have failed.

Although preserving natural teeth is always preferable for patients, a tooth may be extracted for several reasons: severe tooth decay, presence of an abscess, trauma to the tooth, painful or damaging wisdom teeth, lack of space for teeth (used for orthodontic treatment), or gum disease-related tooth loosening.

I. What is the White Stuff After Tooth Extraction Healing?

If you don’t feel much pain 3 or 4 days after having your tooth extracted, the white stuff you see is probably not a major cause for concern.

However, if you do feel pain, it could be a sign that you have developed an infection or dry socket.

Let’s see together the different reasons for this white stuff after tooth extraction.

1. Dry Socket

A dry socket occurs when a blood clot becomes engorged or fails to develop properly as a protective barrier in your mouth after tooth extraction.

Although a dry socket is extremely painful, it is extremely rare. You may notice a bone around the tooth extraction site and experience significant pain in the same area.

In addition, oral alveolitis is frequently associated with the development of postoperative infection. When mending has not yet occurred, the pulp is raw and so fragile.

Normally, a clot develops fast to seal the incision and protect it from infection as it heals. However, in other circumstances, the infection begins before the clot forms.

Brushing or washing the mouth too soon might potentially dislodge the clot.

What to do?

This condition heals in about ten days if managed properly. While waiting for a dental appointment, use cold compresses for 15 minutes several times a day.

Your pharmacist will recommend a specific painkiller to massage into the socket.

Clove oil, diluted in 12 drops of olive or coconut oil, is also useful. However, it is not recommended for minors and pregnant women.

What the dentist will do?

To ensure complete recovery and avoid problems, the dentist will recommend therapy.

Cleaning the oral cavity to remove food debris, curettage to restart bleeding and allow for the formation of a new blood clot for dry socket, eugenol-based dressing for pain relief or antibiotic impregnation if pus is present, mouthwash, pain medication, and an oral antibiotic if necessary are all part of this treatment.

2. Dental granuloma

Granulation tissue is important in healing because it protects the blood clot.

A yellowish material may emerge in the surgical sites during the first 2 to 3 postoperative days.

 Avoid eliminating this material since it is tissue that the body makes to mend wounds and is thus a natural component of the healing process.

So it will form a fairly thick layer about a week after the tooth extraction, preserving the dental socket until new bone grows, which can take up to eight weeks.

3. Other dental Infection

A tooth infection is a buildup of pus caused by a bacterial infection in the bottom of a tooth or gum. It can sometimes occur immediately after tooth extraction.

Dental infections often cause acute pain and are sometimes accompanied by other local or global symptoms (swelling of the mouth or face, fatigue, fever, white stuff, etc.).

What to do:

To reduce the risk of tooth infection after an extraction, it is best to follow the dentist’s instructions and observe a few simple rules: For three to five days, avoid smoking and mouthwash, sucking and washing your mouth extensively, drinking through a straw, passing your tongue, toothbrush or food too close to the socket…

Keeping a compress on the tooth socket for 2 to 3 hours promotes clot formation.

If the infection persists, the dentist will clean the socket before treatment, which may involve a curettage. Anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics may be given.)

 III. Prevention after a dental extraction

1. Eating and Drinking

While the anesthesia is still active, avoid eating or drinking anything hot. This is significant since you generally do not experience pain. You run the danger of burning your mouth.

Also, avoid biting the inside of your cheek. When you don’t have a mouthfeel, you have a rather frequent problem.

If you’re sleeping, attempt to keep your head elevated by using an additional pillow the first night. It’s also a good idea to cover your pillow with an old pillowcase or a terrycloth towel in case you bleed a bit.

2. Toothbrush and Mouthwash

Brush your teeth away from the extraction location for the remainder of the day, and if feasible, only the next day.

After that, wash your teeth and floss or use interdental brushes to clean between the other teeth.

You may also wash your teeth. This can assist to eliminate the foul smell and taste that are frequent following an extraction but do not rinse with water or mouthwash on the first day, or even the second day if feasible.

To avoid dislodging the blood clot, rinse your mouth gently with plain water the day following the extraction.

Avoid using mouthwash for the first few days of recovery unless directed by your dentist.

3. Smoking

It is critical not to do anything that will cause your blood pressure to rise, since this will increase bleeding.

We urge that you refrain from smoking for as long as possible, and at the very least throughout the duration of the extraction.

4. Aspirin and painkillers

As dentists often remind us, medications containing aspirin should be avoided as they can cause increased bleeding.

Aspirin thins the blood a bit. This increases the risk of clot rupture.

Asthmatics should avoid taking ibuprofen-based painkillers.

If you are unsure or need something stronger, consult your dentist or pharmacist.

IV. What to do if there is inflammation and/or pain

If you see any of the following symptoms, call your dentist right once. If you are unable to reach your dentist, contact a doctor on call or an emergency room:

• Intense pain or discomfort that does not respond to medications; bleeding, extreme swelling; and Pain that worsens rather than improves over time.

• Fever, nausea, or vomiting;

V.  What should I eat after a tooth extraction?

Maintaining a healthy diet of soft foods, following your dentist’s recommendations, and performing prescribed treatments are essential to your recovery.

This can help you avoid difficulties or illnesses caused by bacteria or food residue in the extraction area.

Choose the following foods to help your recovery:

Fruit compote (apples, berries, etc.); soft or crushed fruit (banana, avocado, etc.); chocolate mousse or pudding; cold soup; milkshake or smoothie; frozen yogurt or ice cream.