Post-Operative Instructions: Tooth Extraction

FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE DAY:

Do not spit. Use a tissue to wipe your mouth as needed, or swallow your saliva.

Do not use a drinking straw. Drink straight from the cup.

Do not smoke.

Keep fingers and tongue away from the surgical area.

Spitting, the use of a straw, smoking, and poking the surgical area can dislodge the blood clot that is forming and will cause bleeding from the area. Also, smoking can increase the chances of an infection or a dry socket.

BLEEDING:

Some minor bleeding is expected after surgical tooth removal. It will usually subside quickly, and stop within an hour or two after surgery. A little oozing is normal and may persist for 24 hours.

Keep gauze on the surgical area with some pressure (biting) for 60 minutes.

Remove the gauze after 60 minutes and replace it with a new piece of gauze or a wet teabag. if you are still bleeding. It is important to make sure the pressure is directly on the surgical site. Firm pressure for another hour should stop the bleeding.

If you find that this is not working after your third attempt, use a moistened tea bag instead of the gauze. The tannic acid in tea will help form a clot and stop the bleeding.

If all else fails, call the office.

SWELLING:

Most patients will experience some swelling after surgery in the mouth. It may be mild or severe and is different for every patient. The swelling may increase for the first 24–48 hours before it starts to go away. It may last for several days. Some bruising may also develop on the face.

You may use an ice pack on the cheek or face next to the surgical site to reduce the swelling.

Sleep with your head elevated slightly (above the heart). This will keep swelling down.

On the third day, change to moist heat instead of ice packs. This will bring the swelling down quicker.

DIET:

Have liquid diet for at least 24hrs. Please do not drink through a straw for the first week after surgery.

You may resume a regular diet after 24hrs, although it is recommended that you avoid carbonated beverages for 2–3 days, and avoid crunchy foods like popcorn, chips, peanuts, etc., for 2 weeks after surgery.

Finally, please stay well-nourished and hydrated.

ORAL HYGIENE:

You need to start rinsing after 24 hours, very gently, with some warm salt water (1 tsp of salt in 1 cup of warm water). Do this after meals and before bed for at least one week. Use antiseptic mouthwash twice daily . If you get food in a tooth socket, do not use a tooth pick or tooth brush. Brush your teeth, avoiding the surgical area, after 24hrs. Be gentle! Do not spit or rinse forcefully.

SUTURES:

The sutures will dissolve and will fall off on their own. If it doesn't we might remove it on the 7th day follow up.