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After Tooth Extraction

When you have had a tooth extracted, you will need to make several adjustments to your routine for the following few days.

Most importantly, the process depends on a blood clot at the extraction site, which will stop the bleeding and allow the healing to begin. The gauze pad you are asked to bite on for the first 30 to 45 minutes after the procedure helps give the clot time to form. If there is still bleeding or oozing after the allotted time is up, you should replace the gauze pad with another one and continue biting firmly for another 30 minutes; you may have to repeat this several times, until all bleeding has stopped.

Once the blood clot has formed, it is important not to disturb or dislodge it, so you will need to avoid doing such things as rinsing vigorously, sucking on straws, smoking, drinking alcohol or brushing your teeth near the extraction site for 72 hours. You should also limit strenuous activities, like exercise, that will increase blood pressure and could cause more bleeding from the site.

You may experience pain and/or swelling at the site following the extraction. The swelling usually subsides within 48 hours, and can be minimized with an ice pack (or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn) applied to the site; pain medications should be taken as prescribed. If your pain medication does not seem to be working, call the office.

If you have been prescribed antibiotics, use them as directed, continuing to take them for the time prescribed even if you have no signs or symptoms of infection.

You should drink a lot of fluids and eat nutritious soft foods during your recovery period. As soon as you are comfortable, you can resume your normal diet.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. Good hygiene will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities.

If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for two to three days, or a reaction to your medication, call our office immediately at 952-836-1113.