Extractions Post Op Instruction

EXTRACTIONS – HOMECARE INSTRUCTIONS

You’ve had one or more of your teeth removed - Now what?

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE FIRST 24 HOURS

• It is important that the blood clot forms over the extraction site in order to stop the bleeding, reduce pain and speed healing.
• To protect the clot from being dislodged and avoid the pain of developing a dry socket:
• Bite on a gauze pad for 30-60 minutes. Blood and saliva combine to make it appear as if there is more bleeding than there really is. Change out to a clean gauze if needed.
• Some oozing may occur during the first 24 hours and is normal.
• Don’t spit or suck on candies or drink through a straw.
• Don’t rinse your mouth.
• Don’t brush or floss near the extraction site.
• Avoid tobacco for at least 72 hours, because it slows the healing process. After, limit using tobacco as much as possible until the site is healed.
• Don’t sneeze or cough if possible. Take sinus or allergy medicine if needed.
• Limit yourself to calm activities. Controlling blood pressure helps to control bleeding.
• Elevate your head with pillows when you are laying down to help reduce bleeding.
• Don’t drink hot, carbonated or alcoholic drinks. Also, avoid hot and spicy foods.

MEDICATION & PAIN MANAGEMENT

• Take pain medication before the anesthetic has worn off.
• Control swelling by using an ice bag over the area, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
• When numbness has completely worn off, drink lots of fluids and eat only soft foods, chewing on the opposite side from the extraction site.
• If antibiotics were prescribed continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if the symptoms and signs of infection are gone.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS AFTER THE FIRST 24 HOURS

• Begin to eat normally as soon as it’s comfortable.
• Resume brushing and flossing, but clean gently around the site for about a week.
• Reduce soreness or swelling by applying moist heat. Swelling should start to improve after the first 48 hours.
• Further reduce swelling by rinsing your mouth very gently with warm salt water. Use about 1 teaspoon of salt per glass in warm water. Rinse two to three times a day for the week following the extraction.

WHEN TO CALL US?

It is normal to experience some discomfort for several days after a tooth extraction. Call us right away if you have heavy or increased bleeding, increased pain or swelling that continues beyond two or three days, bad taste or odor in your mouth or have a reaction to the medicine. We can be reached at 440.461.9600.