After Tooth Extraction

Home Care After Tooth Extraction

Do not disturb the extraction site. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the area on the day of surgery. You may have had sutures placed and these can initially be aggravating to your tongue.

Bleeding

After tooth extraction, a blood clot needs to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 20 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 20 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush your teeth next to the extraction site for 24 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

Pain

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. 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. Use pain medication as directed. Usually whatever you would normally take for a headache will be sufficient to manage any discomfort. Call the office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. Worcester MA Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 508-799-2550

Antibiotics

If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them until the prescription is finished, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone.

Diet

Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the tooth extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

Oral Hygiene

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

You should be feeling better after a few days and can resume your normal activities. If you have severe pain or increasing swelling after two to three days please call our office.

If you have heavy bleeding or a reaction to a medication call our office immediately at Worcester MA Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 508-799-2550.

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