Post OP Instructions
Tooth Extractions Care
Tooth Extractions Homecare Instructions
After your tooth extraction procedure, the experienced dentists at Affinity Dental recommend some tooth extraction aftercare tips on the day of your surgery to aid the healing process:
Avoid using straws
Don’t rinse vigorously
Limit exercise for 24 hours
Don’t smoke or drink alcohol
Don’t disturb the extraction site blood clot
Don’t brush teeth around surgery area for 72 hours
Below are some additional homecare instructions which can make your tooth extraction recovery more comfortable and help you avoid tooth extraction complications. After just a few days you will be able to resume your normal activities.
Bleeding
Following your tooth extraction, a blood clot will naturally form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30–45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to repeat several times.
Be sure not to dislodge the clot and limit vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours after tooth extractions. This will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding, as well as dissolve the clot and slow the healing process. Please call Affinity Dental if you have continued excessive bleeding (your mouth fills quickly with blood).
Swelling/pain
If you’ve had a tooth pulled, you may experience some swelling and pain. This is a perfectly normal part of the recovery and healing process. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Also important care after a tooth extraction is taking your pain medications as directed by your dentist. This will help prevent a tooth extraction infection. Continue to take any prescribed antibiotics for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Do not take any medication if you are allergic or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. If medications aren’t controlling your tooth extraction pain, please call Affinity Dental.
Diet/nausea
On the day of your tooth extraction, be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable, unless otherwise directed. If you are nauseous after your dental extraction, sip on flat cola (Pepsi or Coke) or eat soda crackers. If the nausea persists, call Affinity Dental.
Oral hygiene
With teeth extractions, keeping your mouth clean is essential to the healing process. So it’s important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This includes brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. Not only will this speed the tooth extraction healing, but help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
Experiencing post tooth extraction issues?
If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2–3 days, or a reaction to the medication after tooth extraction surgery, please contact our office immediately.