Have you had a tooth extracted and have developed a hard lump on your gum after a tooth extraction? Although a hard lump is not a common occurrence following a tooth extraction, it is not an emergency. If you develop a hard lump following a tooth extraction, contact your dentist for a follow-up appointment. At your appointment, your dentist will look at your mouth to make sure you have not developed an infection and that your mouth is healing properly.
Swelling following a tooth extraction is normal. When the body experiences any type of trauma, the immune system will activate and cause an inflammatory response to protect the injured area. The inflammatory response increases blood circulation to the area, and white blood cells flood the area to promote healing. The increased blood circulation and white blood cells cause the area to swell. The amount of swelling can vary, luckily there are several things you can do to minimize swelling and prevent the formation of a hard lump on the gum after a tooth extraction.
During the first 48 hours following a tooth extraction, you should focus on minimizing your swelling. The best way to minimize swelling is to ice the area for 15 minutes. Then remove the ice pack for 15 minutes. Continue this on and off revolution for the first two days post-extraction.
Immediate Care For Hard Lump On Your Gum After A Tooth Extraction
During the first twenty-four hours, you must control the bleeding and protect the blood clot that formed following the extraction. Sucking or blowing can dislodge the clot and cause excess bleeding. Therefore, you should avoid drinking from a straw, smoking and any other activity that causes you to blow or suck forcefully. Additionally, do not vigorously rinse your mouth or spit for the first two days.
An electric toothbrush cordless Waterpik water flosser can be used to freshen your mouth; however, avoid disturbing the extraction site. Most patients find that it is easiest to stop brushing their teeth one tooth before the extraction site. Gently rinse your mouth and avoid forcefully spitting out the toothpaste and water. Mouthwash should also be avoided as most mouthwashes contain alcohol, which will dry the area and prevent it from healing.
After two days, you can continue to decrease swelling by applying a warm, moist towel to your jaw. Apply heat to your jaw for 20 minutes. Hot compresses dilate the blood vessels so they can carry fluids away from the area and further reduce your swelling. All swelling should be resolved within one week. If swelling continues, schedule a visit with your dentist.
You should avoid sneezing closed-mouthed or blowing your nose because it can create a difference in pressure inside your mouth. If you feel as if you need to sneeze, keep your mouth opened to regulate the pressure and prevent the clot from dislodging.
Healing A Hard Lump On Your Gum After A Tooth Extraction
Healing expends a lot of energy; therefore, you should avoid strenuous exercise, lifting heavy objects, bending, or working following a tooth extraction. Try to relax the day of your extraction and the day after your extraction to allow your body to heal.
When you rest, make sure that your head is located above your heart. Keeping your head above your heart decreases blood pressure in your head, which can help control bleeding following an extraction. When you are in bed, keep your head on two to three pillows. In addition to this, while sitting in a recliner, keep your head above your feet.
A tooth extraction is hard on the body. When you have been sitting or lying down for an extended period of time, you may experience lightheadedness when you stand. You can help prevent this by sitting upright for a couple of minutes. Then, slowly stand up to help avoid lightheadedness.
A hard lump on your gum following a tooth extraction can be painful. Follow the instructions listed above to prevent injury to your extraction site. Avoid sucking or blowing, expending extra energy, and using a Sonicare toothbrush across the extraction site until it is fully healed. If a lump forms after a tooth extraction, contact your dentist to schedule a follow-up appointment. This appointment will ensure that an infection is not beginning. Finally, your dentist may take an x-ray to ensure no bony protrusions have developed or a shard of the tooth or root has been left behind.
