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CARE INSTRUCTIONS AFTER A TOOTH EXTRACTION

  • Do not disturb or touch the wound.
  • Avoid rinsing and spitting for the first day after the procedure to allow for blood clot formation. Following the second day, gentle rinsing with tap water or saltwater is allowed but not too vigorously.
  • Do not rinse with any kind of mouthwash (unless prescribed), peroxide or any other chemical based rinses.
  • Do not lift or pull on the lip to look at the sutures/stitches if placed. This can actually cause damage to the wound site and tear the sutures.
  • Do not drink with a straw for 7 days as the suction may disturb the surgical site.
  • If a partial denture or a flipper was placed in your mouth, leave it in place and do not remove it until your next appointment.

DIET

We recommend a soft diet and liquids for 14 days or until the healing is completed. Please avoid any “crunchy” foods or any foods that break up into small pieces as these may get into the site and can affect the healing.

SWELLING & BLEEDING

After tooth removal, it is normal to have some swelling of the surgical area and possibly on the face. Some patients may also experience bruising (black and blue) in these areas. The maximum swelling occurs during the first 24 hours after the procedure. It then starts to slowly recede over the next 5 -7 days. To minimize the swelling, place ice packs over the affected area 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off for the rest of the day. It is not necessary to sleep with the ice pack. After the first 24 hours, it is not necessary to continue the cold application. Do not apply heat, this may aggravate the swelling.
 
It is also recommended you elevate your head at night and sleep on a few extra pillows. This will decrease some blood flow to your head and neck region and also help to limit swelling.
 
Some bleeding is expected after an extraction and may continue to “ooze” after a few hours after treatment is complete. If any bleeding persists, place gauze over the area and bite down firmly for 30 minutes. If bleeding doesn’t stop or increases, please contact the office.
 

PAIN MEDICATIONS & ANTIBIOTICS

After removal of teeth, it is normal to experience some amount of discomfort when the anesthesia wears off. Take the medication(s) prescribed as instructed. Do not operate a motor vehicle or machinery while taking pain medication. It can make you drowsy. Do not use Asprin for pain as it may cause extended bleeding.
 
There is always a chance that an infection might develop after surgical procedures. After procedures that have a higher chance of infection, a prescription for antibiotics may be given.
 
Please take this medication as directed until it is finished.
 
NOTE: Women taking oral contraceptives (birth control pills) please remember that antibiotics may temporarily decrease the effectiveness of the birth control pills. Please contact your physician with any questions.
 

ORAL HYGIENE

After an extraction procedure it is all right to brush your teeth. However, please avoid the area around the surgical site for 4-5 days. Gentle rinsing with water or salt water is recommended. Avoid vigorous swishing and forceful rinsing as this may dislodge the adhesive layer and blood clot.
 
It is our desire that your recovery be as smooth and pleasant as possible. Following these instructions will assist you, but if you have questions about your progress, please call the office at (941) 216-0940 during regular office hours or 941-564-9540 after hours.