Tooth Extractions:

What should you expect when you are scheduled for a tooth extraction?

Your dentist will numb the area to lessen any discomfort unless you request no anesthetic. After the extraction, your dentist will advise you of what post extraction regimen to follow, in most cases a small amount of bleeding is normal.

When having an extraction, today's modern procedures and follow up care as recommended by your dentist are there to provide you the patient great benefit and comfort.

 

Care of Mouth after Extractions:

After an extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and to begin the healing process.                            

If bleeding or oozing continues after you remove the gauze pad, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another thirty minutes. You may do this several times. After the blood clot forms it’s important to protect it, especially for the next seventy two hours. Spitting, smoking and using a straw may dislodge the blood clot. Please read and follow all doctors’ instruction.

 

1.)    DO NOT RINSE MOUTH FOR 24 HOURS.  Tomorrow rinse mouth gently every 3 hours (especially after meals) using one teaspoon of salt to an eight once glass of warm water.  Continue to rinse for several days, as needed for comfort.  The Doctor may recommend a Prescription Oral Rinse instead please use as advised

2.)    DO NOT SPIT FOR 72 HOURS. It may dislodge blood clot which would cause a dry socket (infection in the bone). The blood clot acts like a bandage.

3.)    DO NOT USE A STRAW FOR 72 HOURS. The sucking may dislodge blood clot which would cause dry socket.

4.)    DO NOT SMOKE FOR 48 HOURS. This will dislodge blood clot which causes dry socket (a very painful infection in the bone), and also keeps it from healing.

5.)    BLEEDING. Following extractions some bleeding is to be expected. Place gauze pads over bleeding area and bite down firmly for ½ hour. If the gauze becomes saturated replace the gauze. Lay a towel over your pillowcase at night because some oozing is normal.

6.)    SWELLING. Ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in towel should be applied to operated area (1/2 hour on and ½ hour off) for 4-5 hours. A bag of frozen peas instead of ice does a great job as well, and is personally recommended by your dentist.

7.)    PAIN. For mild to average pain use (OTC) ibuprofen or what your dentist prescribed. For prescription pain medicine; make sure you do not take on an empty stomach.

8.)    FOOD. Eat a soft diet and drink lots of water.  Do not drink alcohol beverages or use mouth washes that contain alcohol such as Listerine or scope. Do not eat spicy food. Do not eat hot (as in temperature) food, because it could affect the healing process.

9.)    BONEY EDGES. Small sharp bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing; these are not roots. If this becomes annoying please return to the office for simple removal of the root.

10.) RELAX. Stay off your feet and rest, even simple extractions are considered surgery.

11.)  IF any unusual symptoms occur, call the office at once.

12.) THE PROPER CARE following oral surgical procedures will hasten recovery and prevent complications.

 

To control discomfort, take pain medications as recommended by your doctor. Don’t take medication on an empty stomach or nausea may result. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after twenty four hours. This includes brushing your teeth and tongue and flossing once a day. This speeds healing and helps keep your mouth fresh.

Call us right away if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling after two or three days, or a reaction to the medication. After a few days you’ll be feeling fine and can resume your normal activities.