Instructions After Tooth Extraction

Post-Extraction Care Instructions

AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION, IT’S IMPORTANT FOR A BLOOD CLOT TO FORM TO STOP THE BLEEDING AND BEGIN THE HEALING PROCESS.

• Apply pressure by biting on a folded gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment.
• Remove the gauze after 30-45 minutes. If the bleeding persists after 45 minutes, place another folded gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes, before discarding.
• It is normal to have a little oozing and bloody saliva. However, if excessive bleeding continues, contact the office.

AFTER THE BLOOD CLOT FORMS, IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO DISTURB OR DISLODGE THE CLOT AS IT AIDS HEALING.

• Do not rinse your mouth, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol, or hot tea/coffee the day of surgery. Do not brush your teeth when you go home the day of surgery. These activities can displace or dissolve the clot, slow the healing process, and can lead to a dry socket.
• Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours. Exercise may increase blood pressure, cause excessive bleeding, and increase your pain.

SOME TEETH ARE MORE DIFFICULT TO REMOVE THAN OTHERS. AFTER A TOOTH IS EXTRACTED YOU MAY FEEL SOME PAIN AND EXPERIENCE SOME SWELLING.

• Apply an ice pack to the area to keep swelling to a minimum. Frequent use of ice is key in controlling swelling and the discomfort caused by swelling.
• For impacted wisdom teeth, apply an ice pack 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, then repeat; rotating ice packs for the first two days following surgery.
• Keep your head elevated to minimize swelling, especially at night when you’re not using ice. Swelling normally peaks around 48 hours following surgery.
• Any prescriptions will be electronically submitted to the pharmacy you provide information for at the time you check in.
• Use the pain medication as directed. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if symptoms of infections subside.
• Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat a normal diet as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your regular dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day, being careful not to brush the extraction site. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you should feel well enough to resume normal activities.

If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling after 3 days, or a reaction to the medication, contact our office immediately at (502) 361-0134 or (502) 241-0714. If you have any other questions following surgery and our office is closed, follow the prompts on the recording to reach the answering service for immediate assistance.