Extraction Aftercare Instructions
Care after your extraction will help to ensure proper healing and limit potential complications.
Bite on the gauze provided for 30 minutes after the extraction appointing, ensuring to apply pressure to the site.
After this gauze is removed in 30 minutes, a new gauze pad only needs to be applied if bleeding occurs. It is normal to have bleeding for the next 1-2 days. Keep gauze handy, and bite on this gauze for 30 minutes if bleeding occurs. Remember that blood will mix with salvia and you may have red-tinged saliva.
Take pain medication before the freezing comes out. Your dentist will prescribe medication if necessary but often Tylenol or Advil is adequate. Take this first dose 3-4 hours after your procedure and then take regular doses if you have any discomfort at all, especially if the first two days. Don’t wait to see if it will get really painful before taking the medication.
Do not rinse your mouth on the day of the extraction. You may drink and eat soft foods, but do not rinse and spit. Starting the day after your extraction, you should gently rinse 2-3 times per day. If your dentist has given you a mouth rinse, use this. Otherwise use warm salt water for rinsing. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Do not use over-the-counter mouth rinses for post-extraction rinsing.
Cold in the mouth – ice cubes, cold drinks– will provide comfort and minimize swelling.
Do not drink from a straw.
Do not smoke, as it increases the chance of a very painful condition called dry socket.
Please contact the office if you have questions, concerns or if your symptoms worsen. It is normal to have discomfort, swelling, and occasionally bruising after extraction. If these symptoms start to improve then get worse again, you should contact us.