Post-op instructions – Tooth Extraction
DO NOT DISTURB THE AREA: For the next few days, and especially the first 24 hours, it is very important to allow your
body to form a good clot and start the natural healing process. Swishing, sucking through a straw, and smoking c all
dislodge the clot. Keep anything sharp from entering the wound (crunchy food, toothpicks, eating utensils). Be sure to
chew on the opposite side for the next 24 hours.
BLEEDING: Please continue to bite on the gauze pad for the next 30 minutes to control bleeding. Do not change it during
this time. If you are still bleeding after 30 minutes, you may change out the gauze and continue to bite for an additional
30 minutes. Small amounts of blood in the saliva should be expected over the next day.
PAIN: Some discomfort is normal after surgery. You can take over the counter pain medication to minimize the pain. If
you have been prescribed pain medication, take it as instructed on the label. Do not exceed the dose on the label.
SWELLING: If you experience swelling, applying an ice bag to the face over the operated area will minimize swelling. Apply
for 15 minutes, then remove for 15 minutes. Continue this for the first day.
SMOKING: Smoking should be stopped following surgery. Smoking delays healing. Also, the suction created when
inhaling cigarettes can dislodge the clot, increasing the chance of developing the painful condition known as dry socket.
NUMBNESS: The local anesthetic will cause numbness for the next several hours. Be careful not to bite, chew, pinch, or
scratch the numb area. Rarely, the extraction causes residual numbness or tingling that is often temporary but can
sometimes be permanent.
BRUSHING: Do not brush for 8 hours following extraction. After this, you may brush your teeth gently, but avoid the area
of surgery for the next 3 days.
DIET: Eat soft foods for the first 2 days. Return to normal regular meals as soon as you are able to after the first 2 days.
Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcoholic beverages for 48 hours.
RINSING: Avoid rinsing for the next 24 hours. Rinsing can disturb the formation of the blood clot which is crucial to healing.
This could cause bleeding and cause Dry Socket. After 24 hours, it is recommended that you begin gentle rinsing with a
saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon salt + 8 ounces of warm water).
ANTIBIOTICS: If you were given an antibiotic prescription, take all of them as directed until they are all gone. Women:
some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use alternate birth control methods for two months.
SINUS: If your sinus was involved in the procedure, you should avoid blowing your nose or playing a wind musical
instrument for one week. Use of decongestant medications might be recommended.
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS: You may need to return to the office to the office to have sutures removed, or just for a
brief follow-up healing check.
Please call your dentist or seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:
Uncontrollable
pain, excessive or severe bleeding, marked fever, excessive warm swelling occurring a few days after the procedure or
reactions to medications, especially rash, itching, or breathing problems.
Following these instructions very closely will greatly help your comfort and promote uneventful healing of the area. If any
of the instructions are not followed, you might have significantly more discomfort and the success of the procedure may
be affected.