Post-Operative Instructions: Tooth Extraction

For the first 72 hours, do not:

• Disturb the site
• Use straws
• Drink anything with carbonation
• Vigorously rinse, swish, or spit
• Smoke

BLEEDING

Some bleeding is expected after tooth extractions. It’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a cold, damp gauze pad for 30 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing persists, you will need to moisten the gauze with ice-cold water, squeeze out the excess water, and bite down with firm pressure for 20-30 minutes. If bleeding continues, moisten a tea bag with ice-cold water and bite down for 20-30 minutes. The tannic acid in the tea bag helps to form a clot by contracting the blood vessels. A small amount of bleeding can continue intermittently for a couple of days especially if the area is stimulated by movement. After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot, as it aids in healing.

SWELLING

Swelling is also a normal part of post-operative healing and can increase for 2-3 days following any surgery, slowly resolving after this. You may apply an ice pack to the area for 20 minutes at a time for the first 24 hours; this will help minimize pain and swelling during this time. After 24 hours, you may switch to warm, moist heat.

MEDICATION

If you have been sedated for your procedure, you may not drive for 24 hours. If you have been prescribed a narcotic pain medication, you also cannot drive while taking this. If an antibiotic mouth rinse is prescribed, do not begin using until the day after your procedure to avoid stimulating further bleeding. If an antibiotic was prescribed, make sure to take as directed and until completely gone to help prevent infection.

PAIN

You should begin taking pain medicine as soon as you feel the local anesthetic start wearing off. For mild to moderate pain, ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) may be taken. Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200mg tablets: 3 tablets may be taken every 6 hours as needed for pain. You may alternate with 2 Extra Strength Tylenol® as needed (example: 12 PM—Ibuprofen, 3 PM—Tylenol, 6 PM—Ibuprofen, 9 PM—Tylenol). For severe pain, the prescribed pain medicine should be taken as directed with food. Tylenol may be in the prescribed pain medication; therefore, do not take Extra Strength Tylenol when taking prescribed pain medication. Do not take any of the above medications if you are allergic or have been instructed by your doctor not to do so.

For children, use over-the-counter Children’s Tylenol® or ibuprofen as directed per instructions on the bottle as needed for pain.

DIET

Hydration and nutrition are important for healing following surgery. You may be more comfortable with a soft diet initially, but you can eat what you like. You are only limited by your discomfort. Stick to cold and/or soft foods and liquids while you are numb. Remember to always eat prior to taking any pain medication to avoid nausea. Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

ORAL HYGIENE

Good oral hygiene is essential for healing. It is important to resume your normal dental routine 24 hours after your procedure. Continue brushing and flossing your teeth avoiding the surgical site(s) for 72 hours; remember, no vigorous swishing or spitting for 72 hrs.

ACTIVITY

Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site(s).

Call our office immediately for heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling lasting over 3 days, or a reaction to the medication.