Denise

Here's to your extractions going really well Denise!

Make sure you find out as much information as you need about the care of the extractions sites, so that you're confident with what you need to do.

You may need to take an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and other brand names) for several days, or you may not need any pain medication.

The area where the teeth have been extracted, may still bleed minimally for the next 24 hours or so and taper off after that. Don’t disturb the clot that forms on the wound.

During the first 24-48 hours it's important not to suck (like through a straw) spit or smoke. These actions can pull the blood clot out of the hole where the tooth was. That causes more bleeding and can lead to a dry socket, which occurs in about 5% of all extractions.

Eating ... You most likely will need to be careful for 48 hours, and then it's safe to eat hard food, although of course still taking care not to damage your extraction sites. So watch food with sharp edges.

I recommend warm salt water rinses as soon as possible. It should be okay to gently move the warm salt water around your mouth and then let it fall out. Only do small rinses, as these are healing and soothing, plus they keep the extraction areas clean. Talk to your OS about the salt water rinsing, as usually it's highly recommended.

Plus keep your fluids up and don't do any increased physical activity for the first 24 hours.

Plus ... be positive that you won't need soft food after your top wire goes on. Instead you'll be straight into cutting your food into small pieces and doing a little chewing, while your mouth adjusts! Hydration and wax ... essential to make eating and life loads easier in the early days of orthodontic treatment. Although the hydration lasts for as long as treatment does, and to have a healthy body, it should be something we are aware of everyday.

You may find for a short time after an adjustment some teeth may ache a little, but this isn't something that happens at every adjustment and for most people, the ache is minor and doesn't require any change in eating habits. Hopefully this is how it is for you to!

Thanks Sunny! I work out a lot, almost every day, so I am always well hydrated. I don't drink alcohol, or smoke (never have), so those are all bonuses. My OS said the extraction should be incredibly easy and only take a few minutes. I'm in good physical health, so I don't foresee any issues with the extraction. Just nervous for it in general, but mostly I'm looking forward to having it over with! Thanks for the salt water recommendation, I'll definitely do that if my OS recommends it.

Good luck, Denise. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.