After Tooth Extraction

Home Instructions After the Tooth Removal

A. Wound Care: Bite firmly on gauze that has been in place for 30 minutes, and then remove it gently. Do not smoke for at least 12 hours; smoking will promote bleeding and interfere with healing.

B. Bleeding: Some blood will ooze from the area of surgery and is normal. You may find a blood stain on your pillow in the morning, so it is advisable to use an old pillowcase the first night. Do not spit or suck thick fluids through a straw, because this promotes bleeding. If bleeding begins again, place a small damp gauze pack directly over the socket and bite firmly for 30 minutes. Keep your head elevated with several pillows or sit in a lounge chair.

C. Discomfort: Some discomfort is normal after surgery. It can be controlled but not eliminated by taking pain medication. Do not drive or drink alcohol if you take some prescription pain pills.

D. Diet: It is important to drink large amounts of fluids. You can eat regular meals after surgery, but try to avoid the extraction side to chew. Cold soft foods such as ice cream or yogurt may be the most comfortable for the first day.

E. Oral Hygiene: Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery. After that, rinse gently with warm salt water (1/2 tsp. of salt in 8 oz. of warm water) every 4 hours. Brush your teeth gently, avoiding the area of surgery.

F. Swelling: Swelling after surgery is a normal body reaction. It reaches its maximum about 48 hours after surgery and usually lasts 4 to 6 days. Applying ice packs over the area of surgery for the first 12 hours helps control swelling and help area to be more comfortable.

G. Rest: Avoid strenuous activity for 12 hours after surgery.

H. Bruising: You may experience some mild bruising in the area of your surgery. This is a normal response in some persons and should not be a cause for alarm. It will disappear in 4 to 7 days.

I. Stiffness: After surgery you may experience jaw muscle stiffness and limited opening of your mouth. This will improve in 5 to 10 days.

J. Stitching: If stitches have been placed in area of surgery, you will need them removed in about one week. But, absorbable stitches do not need to be removed.

K. Call office if: You experience excessive discomfort that you cannot control with pain pills. You have bleeding that you cannot control by biting on the gauze. You have increased swelling after the third day following your surgery. You feel that you have a fever. You have any questions.