Tooth Extraction Post Operative Instructions
PROTECTION OF THE BLOOD CLOT:
Maintain gentle pressure by biting on the gauze that has been placed over the surgical area. We will provide you with extra gauze but you don’t need to keep gauze in your mouth all day. You can take it out once you get home. Some bleeding is to be expected for the first day and you may see blood on the gauze all day. This is considered normal. You might still notice some oozing till 48 hours after the surgery.
DO NOT use mouthwash for at least 2 weeks after the surgery. After 24 hours, rinse with warm salt water; use 1 teaspoon of salt in one cup of warm water and use as a rinse to promote healing for a month after your extraction.
EXTRACTIONS WITH BONE GRAFT: If you had a bone graft with your extraction, DO NOT IRRIGATE the SOCKET. Doing so could cause the bone graft to fail. When rinsing, do NOT swish too vigorously.
EATING:
Do not eat for 1-2 hours after surgery to establish a solid blood clot. Follow a balanced liquid to a soft diet for at least 1 day. e.g. milk, milkshakes, ice cream, soups, broths, fruit juices, eggs, oatmeal, custards, etc. You can start eating normally the next day as long as you cut foods up and chew with the other side. Do not use a straw for a week!
AVOID ALL excessive activity for 1 day. Don’t spit excessively. No alcoholic beverages or carbonated beverages for 1 week and NO smoking until healing is well established.
CONTROL OF SWELLING:
Gently apply ice packs to the area for periods of 10 minutes on, few minutes off. Continue to the ice for the first 24-48 hours. A slight fever (101 or less) is a normal part of the healing process. Swelling usually peaks on the 3rd to 4th day.
