Post-Op Instructions

Keep sterile gauze in place for 30 minutes with constant firm pressure to help stop bleeding. It is normal for there to be some seepage of blood from the extraction site, giving a pinkish tint to your saliva. However if there is a significant flow of blood from extraction site take some sterile gauze provided, moisten and fold it up and place directly over the extraction site and keep in place for 30 minutes with constant firm pressure.

If bleeding persists after several attempts to stop it, it may help to take a moistened tea bag (real tea not herbal tea) and place it over the extraction site for 30 minutes with constant firm pressure.

If you are unable to control the bleeding, call us at 285-5234 or 579-3851.

Swelling

Swelling can result from difficult or surgical extractions. Swelling can be minimized by applying a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel to your face in the area of extraction for 2-3, 10 minute intervals shortly after the extraction. Take care not to over expose your skin to cold, especially if you are still numb from the anesthetic.

Any swelling from the extraction should reach a peak and begin to diminish after 48 hours. If swelling persists after 48 hours and accompanied by pain call us, it may be due to an infection and need to be treated with an antibiotic.

Avoiding a dry socket

Healing begins with the formation of a blood clot. If the blood clot becomes dislodged from or sucked out of the extraction site, a dry socket is the result. Smoking is a significant contributor to dry socket formation. Dry sockets are very painful and last for about 10 days. You will be out of danger of a dry socket developing after about 3 days.

To help avoid a dry socket avoid spitting, don’t drink through a straw, if you smoke go as long as you can before smoking and smoke as little as possible for the first 3 days.

Cleaning

The best thing you can do to promote healing is to keep the extraction site as clean as possible. To accomplish this starting tomorrow and continue for a week, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Do this several times a day, especially after meals.

Pain Management

In case of difficult or surgical extractions a prescription may be provided. In most cases Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) will be sufficient to control discomfort from the extraction. You may need to take 3-4 tablets (600mg-800mg for adult) of Ibuprofen. Never take more than 24 tablets in 24 hours. Don’t take Ibuprofen if you are allergic to it. If you are pregnant only take acetaminophen (Tylenol). If you are experiencing severe discomfort, call us at 285-5234 or 579-3851.

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