After Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, 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 gauze pack for 20-30 minutes after the appointment. You will need to change the gauze every 20-30 minutes for the next several hours until the majority of the bleeding has stopped.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse your mouth the first day or brush your teeth. Avoid sucking on straws for a week. NO SMOKING FOR 72 HOURS. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and slow the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 48 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Apply the ice pack for 20-30 minutes at a time and then take a break for 30 minutes. Continue this process for 48 hours.
Take pain medications as prescribed. You should eat a little something 20 minutes prior to taking the pain pills and take the medication in accordance with the prescription. You can take 400-600mg of Ibuprofen or Advil in addition to your pain pills.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
If a bone graft was placed in the extraction site, you will need to keep your tongue away from the area. The area should be protected for 10 days. Some bone graft material will surface during the healing process which is normal. The sutures placed will dissolve in approximately 7-10 days.
If dentures were placed, you will need to leave them in for the first 24 hours. You may take them out to rinse a few times during the first 24 hours but do not leave them out for an extended amount of time.
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. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you will feel better and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at West Bend Office Phone Number 541-617-3993.