Guidelines Following A Tooth Extraction 1. Bleeding:
After an extraction, a wet gauze pack is placed over the extraction site to prevent excessive bleeding and to promote the healing
blood clot. Keep pressure on it for 30 to 45 minutes and replace it if bleeding continues. Your anesthetic should wear off
in 1 1/2 to 4 hours. Sometimes a longer acting anesthetic is used, which can last 8 to 15 hours. Slight bleeding may occur
for up to 2 days. For a week, avoid activities that could apply a suction action to the blood clot such as smoking or sucking
through a straw. 2. Swelling: Following an extraction, some swelling
and skin bruising may occur. An ice bag wrapped in a dry towel and applied to the cheek will help to minimize it. Place
this cold pack on the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes of every hour for the next 6 hours.
3. Medications: If non-aspirin pain medication (Advil, Tylenol, etc.) doesn't relieve the
discomfort you may experience, a stronger medication can be prescribed. Be sure to use all medications as directed.
4. Food: A light diet with plenty of fluids is recommended the first day. avoid carbonated
or hot beverages. Chewing should be done by teeth located away from the extraction site.
5. Rinsing: Do not rinse your mouth today. Tomorrow you can rinse your mouth gently with a
glass of warm water mixed with a 1/2 teaspoon of salt. You can do this every 3 to 4 hours a day especially after meals.
6. Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing, being extra gentle near the extraction site.
7. Chips: During healing you may notice small bony fragments working their way through the gums.
We can easily remove them if they are annoying. ***Call our
office if any unusual symptoms occur.*** |
