Thank you for trusting us with your dental care. Following your tooth extraction, it is essential to adhere to these post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth and comfortable healing process. Our team is committed to providing you with the support and guidance you need during this time.
1. Immediate Care After Extraction:
– Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal and may occur for the first 24 hours. Place a gauze pad over the extraction site and bite down firmly for 30-60 minutes. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and repeat. A moistened tea bag can also be used, as the tannic acid helps to form a clot by contracting blood vessels.
2. Managing Swelling and Pain:
– Swelling: Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek near the extraction site (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for the first 24 hours. This can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
– Pain Management: Pain or discomfort following the extraction is normal. You may use over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen as directed on the package. Follow any prescribed pain medication instructions provided by our dental office.
3. Oral Hygiene and Care:
– Do Not Disturb: Avoid rinsing, spitting, or using a straw for the first 24 hours as these actions can dislodge the clot forming in the socket, leading to a painful condition known as dry socket.
– Cleaning: After 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) after meals and before bed. Continue this for a week.
– Brushing and Flossing: Continue brushing and flossing your teeth, taking care to avoid the extraction site for the first few days.
4. Diet:
– Start with soft, cool foods like yogurt, pudding, or applesauce. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as the extraction site heals. Avoid hot liquids and spicy, crunchy, or hard foods for the first few days.
5. Activity:
– Rest for the remainder of the day following your extraction. Avoid strenuous activities for 72 hours, as increased blood pressure can cause more bleeding at the site.
6. Smoking and Alcohol:
– Avoid smoking for at least 48-72 hours after the extraction, as it can negatively affect healing. Similarly, avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours.
7. Dry Socket:
– If you experience a significant increase in pain after 2-3 days, which does not improve with pain medication, you may have developed a dry socket. Please contact us immediately for treatment.
8. Follow-Up Care:
– If you have been scheduled for a follow-up appointment at our dental office, it is crucial to attend to ensure proper healing and to address any concerns.
9. Emergency Contact:
– Should you experience excessive bleeding, severe pain not managed by medication, significant swelling, or signs of infection (fever, foul taste, pus), contact our dental office immediately.
Your comfort and recovery are of the utmost importance to us. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns during your healing process. We are here to support you every step of the way.