After a tooth extraction, it's crucial for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and start the healing process. That's why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30 – 45 minutes after your appointment. If bleeding or oozing continues, replace the gauze pad and bite down firmly for another 30 minutes. You may need to repeat this process several times.
After the blood clot forms, it's essential not to disturb or dislodge it, as it plays a vital role in the healing process. To protect the clot, avoid vigorous rinsing, sucking on straws, smoking, drinking alcohol, or brushing teeth near the extraction site for 72 hours. These actions can dislodge or dissolve the clot, delaying healing. Additionally, limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as increased blood pressure can cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted, you may experience some pain and swelling. Applying an ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn to the area can help minimize the swelling. Be sure to take pain medications as prescribed. Typically, the swelling subsides after 48 hours.
Use the pain medication as directed. If the medication doesn’t seem to be effective, call our office for further guidance. If antibiotics are prescribed, be sure to take them for the full duration, even if the signs and symptoms of infection have subsided. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, and stick to nutritious, soft foods on the day of the extraction. You can resume your normal diet as soon as you feel comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine 24 hours after the extraction. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. Doing so will speed up the healing process and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days, you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. However, if you experience heavy bleeding, severe pain, persistent swelling for 2 – 3 days, or any adverse reaction to medication, please contact our office immediately at 901-756-8475.
A small amount of bleeding is to be expected following the operation. If bleeding occurs, place a gauze pad directly over the bleeding socket and apply biting pressure for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, a moist tea bag can be used for 30 minutes. If bleeding occurs, avoid hot liquids, exercise, and elevate the head. If bleeding persists, call our office immediately. Do not remove immediate denture unless the bleeding is severe. Expect some oozing around the side of the denture.
Use ice packs (externally) on the same side of the face as the operated area. Apply ice for the first 36 hours only. Apply ice continuously while you are awake.
For mild discomfort use aspirin, Tylenol or any similar medication; two tablets every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 200mg can be taken 2-3 tablets every 3-4 hours.
For severe pain use the prescription given to you. If the pain does not begin to subside in 2 days, or increases after 2 days, please call our office. If an antibiotic has been prescribed, finish your prescription regardless of your symptoms.
Drink plenty of fluids. If many teeth have been extracted, the blood lost at this time needs to be replaced. Drink at least six glasses of liquid the first day.
Do not rinse your mouth for the first post-operative day, or while there is bleeding. After the first day, use a warm salt water rinse every 4 hours and following meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the operated area. (One half teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water.). After you have seen your dentist for denture adjustment, take out denture and rinse 3 to 4 times a day.
Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods, which are comfortable for you to eat. As the wounds heal, you will be able to advance your diet.
The removal of many teeth at one time is quite different than the extraction of one or two teeth. Because the bone must be shaped and smoothed prior to the insertion of a denture, the following conditions may occur, all of which are considered normal:
If immediate dentures have been inserted, sore spots may develop. In most cases, your dentist will see you within 24-48 hours after surgery and make the necessary adjustments to relieve those sore spots. Failure to do so may result in severe denture sores, which may prolong the healing process.