Post-Operative
Instructions Following Tooth Extraction
Our
goal is for your healing process after an extraction to be as comfortable as
possible. The removal of teeth is a surgical procedure and post-operative care
is imperative. Please follow all
instructions carefully to avoid any unnecessary pain and possible infection.
Immediately
Following Surgery
*Keep
the gauze pad placed over the surgical area with pressure applied by biting
down 20 minutes at a time; it may need pressure for up to two hours off and on.
*Take
your prescribed pain medication as soon as you begin to feel discomfort. This
will usually coincide with the local anesthetic becoming less effective.
*Do not
suck on a straw, spit or smoke.
*Restrict
your activities the day of surgery and resume normal activity when you feel
comfortable.
*Place
ice packs on the side of your face where surgery was performed. Refer to the
section on swelling for an explanation.
*For
mild discomfort, use ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 800mg every 4-6 hours
*Vigorous
mouth rinsing or touching the affected area following surgery should be
avoided. This may initiate bleeding caused by dislodging the blood clot that
has formed. After the first day, use a warm salt water rinse every 4 hours and
after meals to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the
area.
*Restrict your diet to liquids and soft foods
which are comfortable for you to eat.
Post Extraction
Healing
Following
an extraction of a tooth a blood clot forms in the socket, usually within an
hour. Bleeding is common in the first hour, but its likelihood decreases
quickly as time passes, and bleeding has usually stopped after 24 hours. The
raw opening takes about one week to heal. Thereafter, the socket will gradually
fill in with soft tissue over a period of 1-2 months. Final closure of the
socket with bony remodeling can take six months or more.
Questions or concerns? Call our office at (781) 942-2020.