After Extractions
Prevent Bleeding
Bite firmly on the gauze pack placed by our staff for at least 30 minutes. Remove the gauze and replace every thirty minutes with the gauze provided in your take-home package as needed.
If bleeding persists, wrap gauze around a tea bag (regular black tea) and continue biting firmly on the gauze
A small amount of bleeding from the surgical area is normal for 24-36 hours. Blood mixes with saliva and becomes very runny, which can make it seem like bleeding is worse than it actually is. It’s a good idea to cover your pillow the night after your procedure.
Don’t do these things:
Do not smoke, chew, dip or vape following extractions.
Do not drink alcohol or carbonated beverages – drink plenty of water to properly hydrate.
Do not rinse, spit or gargle for 24-36 hours after your procedure. This can loosen the blood clot and cause bleeding.
Do not drink through a straw – suction can also loosen the blood clot and cause bleeding.
Eating, Drinking and Mouth Care
Eat a soft diet for 3-4 days after the procedure; no hot, spicy or sharp-edged foods.
Resume normal brushing up to the surgical site on the day after your procedure
On the day after your procedure, begin gently rinsing the mouth after meals to keep food and debris out of the wound.
Use 1 tsp. of salt to 2 cups of warm water
Preventing Pain
If you are able to take anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil) and Tylenol, a non-narcotic pain regimen is very effective at limiting post-operative pain.
Take 400-600mg ibuprofen, then 500mg Tylenol 3-4 hours later, followed by 400-600mg ibuprofen 3-4 hours after the Tylenol. Repeat as needed.
During the first 24 hours after an extraction(s), cold packs, frozen peas or ice packs will help reduce swelling and stiffness and limit post-operative pain.
After the first 24 hours following an extraction, hot packs will help reduce swelling and stiffness.
When to contact us:
An increase in swelling after day 3 or 4 is a sign of infection.
An increase in pain around 7-10 days is a sign of “dry socket.”
Unusual amounts of pain, swelling, or bleeding, the presence of a fever, or difficulty opening or swallowing.