Dental Aftercare
Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, it’s important that a blood clot forms to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process.
Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately 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 to halt the flow of blood.
Immediate Dentures
If you have had immediate dentures made, do not remove them for 72 hours.
This will ensure you maintain a blood clot in place around the extraction site thereby avoiding a dry socket. Dry sockets form when the healing of the site does not occur and underlying bone remains exposed. Contact our office if this occurs.
Blood Clots
After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot.
Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
Medications
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. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Pain Medication
Use pain medication as directed and call our 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 fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
Dental Routine
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. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities.
