After Tooth Extraction
Home Instructions After tooth Removal
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood. After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot.
ORAL HYGIENE
DO NOT rinse or spit for 24 hours. DO NOT SMOKE OR VAPE. DO NOT use a straw. These activities increase your chance of having a dry socket. Do not rinse vigorously, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
One day following your procedure, use one-quarter teaspoon of salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and gently rinse with portions of the solution, taking five minutes to use the entire glass. Rinse 3 to 4 times daily, especially after meals. Brush your teeth morning and night as usual, avoiding the surgical areas. A slight odor and foul taste after oral surgery can be expected.
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. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
PAIN MANAGEMENT
The American Dental Association’s (ADA) Science & Research institute has evidence based recommendations for pain management regarding dental pain after tooth extractions.
The first recommendation is to take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like Ibuprofen, Motrin, and Advil, which is first-line therapy for managing pain after an extraction. Extraction pain is often inflammation related, and NSAIDs target the source of the pain to alleviate it
The second recommendation is to take the first line of therapy NSAID in combination with acetaminophen (Tylenol). The combination of NSAID and acetaminophen has been proven to be more effective in reducing postoperative pain than opioid medications.
If NSAIDS are not advised due to underlying medical conditions, the full therapeutic dose of acetaminophen is suggested.
Our typical recommendation for postoperative pain is: 400 mg Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) PLUS 325 mg Tylenol (1 tablet or capsule – regular strength) EVERY FOUR HOURS
***Do not exceed daily dosage recommendations listed on the bottle***
You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off.
Do not take any of the above medications if you are allergic to them or have been instructed by your doctor not to take. Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day. If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office. Opioid prescriptions – if deemed necessary – will be prescribed at the lowest effective dose, with fewest tablets and for the shortest duration needed.
If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
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.
After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at 203-874-1664.