Tooth extractions are considered a type of surgical procedure. Because of this, you may be at risk of developing an infection. While the infection rate is low when you follow your dentist’s advice after tooth extractions in Chesterfield, MO, your risk may rise as a result of the following.
Cigarette Smoking
Cigarette smoking contains chemicals and toxins that can raise your risk for an infection after tooth extractions in Chesterfield, MO. In addition, smoking also impairs healing because it can damage the tiny capillaries of your oral cavity.
Another way cigarette smoking can raise your risk for an infection after getting your tooth pulled is that it causes dry mouth. When salivary flow is slowed as a result of certain medication side effects, autoimmune diseases, or smoking, oral bacteria can accumulate inside your mouth, causing an infection.
Damaging Protective Clot
After your tooth has been extracted, a protective blood clot will form over the surgical site. This clot helps prevent bacteria from invading the wound so that you don’t get an infection. If the protective clot is damaged or compromised in any way, your risk for infection may rise.
To keep your clot in place, avoid drinking through a straw, swishing your mouth out with water, or sucking on hard candy. The suction motion can dislodge your clot, and in addition to raising your risk for infection, losing the blood clot can also trigger heavy bleeding.
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