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After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times. If you experience STEADY and persistent bleeding, try repositioning the gauze directly over the extraction site. If the gauze is positioned between the adjacent teeth, it will absorb the blood as opposed to applying pressure and stopping it. If bleeding continues, substitute a moistened tea bag (soaked in hot water, squeezed dry, and wrapped in a moist gauze) and apply to the area for 20-30 minutes. If bleeding continues, please call our office.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, or drink alcohol for 48 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process.
If the blood clot gets dislodged, you may be at risk for developing a dry socket.
Gentle rinsing with warm salty water (1/2 tsp. salt with 1 cup water) may begin 24 hours after your extraction, rinsing should be done 3-4 times per day. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24-48 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. The swelling usually subsides after 72 hours. Take pain medications as prescribed. In addition to the narcotic pain medicine we prescribed, you may simultaneously take 600mg (3 of the over-the-counter pills) of ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) every 6 hours. Addition of the ibuprofen will allow the narcotic to work better and last longer. Please do not take additional Tylenol as it is contained in the narcotic pain medicine prescribed to you. Taking the pain medication with soft food and a large volume of water will lessen any side effects of nausea or stomach upset.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. It is imperative to keep your mouth clean, since an accumulation of plaque, food, or debris may promote infection.
It is not unusual to experience some bruising or skin discoloration following extraction. Sometimes, small sharp bone fragments may work through the gums during the healing process. If annoying, return to our office for simple removal.
After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 3-4 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.
