Instructions Following Dental Extractions
- After your surgery, maintain pressure on the surgical site by biting down on the provided gauze pad or roll until the bleeding subsides. Some bleeding is normal following the procedure. Keeping the gauze pad in place with firm pressure will help control excessive bleeding. Replace the gauze as needed until the bleeding stops.
- Supervise children after an extraction to ensure they do not bite or chew their tongue or lips, as this can cause significant injury to the soft tissue.
- Make sure to fill any prescriptions given to you and follow the instructions provided. If you have been prescribed pain medication beyond standard options like aspirin, Tylenol, or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), avoid driving, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in activities that require full attention, as these medications can impair your reflexes and judgment.
- You may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection. Follow the prescribed dosage and schedule exactly.
- Swelling around the face, eyes, and the surgical area is common, although it might become more noticeable a day or two after the procedure. Applying a cold compress to the area near the surgery site can help reduce swelling. Always use a cloth between the ice pack and your skin to prevent frostbite. Apply the cold compress for up to 20 minutes at a time, with 20-minute intervals in between. After 24 hours, cold compresses will no longer be effective for swelling; switch to applying moist heat to the affected areas.
- For the first 24 hours after surgery, avoid using straws, brushing your teeth, rinsing your mouth, spitting, or smoking. Stay away from hot and spicy foods, as well as carbonated and alcoholic drinks.
- Limit your physical activities on the day of the surgery. Avoid strenuous work or play, and resume normal activities the next day as you feel able.
- Begin rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water solution (half a teaspoon of salt in an eight-ounce glass of water) three times a day, starting the day after surgery.
- Stick to a diet of liquids and soft foods such as soups, yogurt, juice, and smoothies for the first few days post-surgery.
- If sutures were placed, they are typically dissolvable and will disappear within 30 days. If any sutures require removal, we will inform you at the time they are placed.
- Contact our office if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or significant swelling, or if you have any questions or concerns. For urgent issues, please call our office. In case of a serious or life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.