Extraction Post-Operative Care Instructions

• DO NOT DISTURB THE WOUND: In doing so, you may invite irritation, infection and/or bleeding. Be sure to chew on the opposite side for 48 hours and keep anything sharp from entering the wound (i.e. eating utensils, etc.).

• DO NOT SMOKE FOR 24 HOURS: Smoking will promote bleeding and interfere with healing.

• BRUSHING: On the day of extraction, you may brush your teeth with water. Stay away from the extraction site. The next day, you may brush normally, being gentle around the extraction site.

• MOUTHWASH: Avoid ALL rinsing for 48 hours after extraction. This is to ensure the formation of a healing clot, which is essential to proper wound healing. Disturbance of this clot can lead to increased bleeding or the loss of the blood clot. If the clot is lost, a painful condition called dry socket may occur. You may use warm salt water (½ tablespoon of salt in 1 cup of warm water) or a mild antiseptic rinse after 48 hours (only if prescribed by our office).

• DO NOT SPIT OR SUCK THROUGH A STRAW: This will promote bleeding and may dislodge the blood clot, causing a dry socket.

• BLEEDING: A rolled-up gauze pad will be placed on the extraction site. You will be given a package of gauze to take home, which you should change every 20–30 minutes until the bleeding stops. If the bleeding continues, you may fold a tea bag in half and bite down on it. Tea contains tannic acid, a styptic, which may help reduce the bleeding. It is NORMAL for some blood to ooze from the area of surgery, even after a couple of days, but not an excessive amount. If an excessive amount of bleeding occurs, call the office for further instructions.

• PAIN: Some discomfort is normal after surgery. Analgesic medication may be taken as directed by your dentist (Tylenol, Advil, etc.). Prescription medication, if provided, should also be taken as directed. If pain continues, call your dentist.

• SWELLING: Slight swelling is normal. To help prevent swelling, apply an ice pack or a cold towel to the outside of your face around the extraction site during the first 12 hours. Apply alternately: 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off, for an hour or longer if necessary. If the swelling worsens after 3 days, call the dental office.

• DIET: Soft foods are recommended for the first day; anything you can mash with a fork. Avoid foods that are crunchy, hard, chewy, or small (such as seeds or nuts). It is also important to drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink alcohol for 48 hours after surgery.

Kindly contact our office should you have any questions or concerns.

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