Post Procedure Care Instructions

Discomfort:

• As soon as you get home, take Ibuprofen then alternate between that and Tylenol every 4-6 hours as long as discomfort persists. 

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• Starting the day after the extraction, warm saltwater rinses may be done to ease gum discomfort as well as keep the area clean. Make sure not to rinse to vigorously and lightly swish before letting the water passively exit the mouth. 

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• Lips may become chapped and cracked following the extraction. Make sure to keep your lips hydrated with some chapstick or vaseline. 

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Healing:

• Do not spit or drink from a straw for at least 24 hours, and no smoking of any kind for at least 48 hours. Doing so will greatly reduce the chances of getting a “dry socket” which can be extremely painful. 

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• Bite down on the wet gauze we placed for 2-3 hours following the extraction to stop the area from bleeding and allow it to heal. Use the extra gauze given to you to replace the gauze in your mouth anytime it gets too dirty or if you want to take a drink. Make sure when replacing the gauze to get it damp before placing them. ​

  • Do not go to sleep with gauze in your mouth. If bleeding is still continuing, you may need to place a towel over your pillow.

  • ​Note: If bleeding persists longer than 2-3 hours you may continue to put pressure on the gauze to let the area heal. If the area is still bleeding by the next day, please contact us through our phone number or through the contact page if it is after business hours.​

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• Do not participate in any strenuous activities or lift heavy objects for the following 24 hours. 

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Cleaning:

• You may brush your teeth like normal, however, be gentle for the first 24 hours when brushing around the extraction area. Warm salt water rinses (starting the next day) can help keep the area clean as well. 

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Food and Drink:

• Following an extraction, colder and softer foods are recommended while still numb and warmer (but still soft) foods are okay to eat after numbness is gone. Some food suggestions are as follows: 

  • Before Numbness Wears Off: Smoothies, Milkshakes, Yogurt, Jello, Applesauce etc. 

  • After Numbness Wears Off: Pancakes, Mash Potatoes, Soups, Pasta, Eggs etc.

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(Remember not to use a straw while drinking for the first 24 hours!)

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• Stay away from spicy foods as they can cause irritation to the extraction site. 

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• Stay away from carbonated beverages and alcohol for at least 24 hours. 

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If you have any concerns that are not explained on this page and would like to contact our Doctor after business hours, you can do so by filling out a contact request on our Contact Page.

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(Situational Instructions)

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Stitches:

• If stitches were placed, make sure not to excessively check them with your tongue. Some stitches will dissolve over time and others may require an extra 10 minute appointment to remove them. 

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Prescriptions:

• Dr. may have prescribed certain medications following the extraction. If the prescription was not physically handed to you on a piece of paper, please allow at least an hour before picking the prescription up at your pharmacy. 

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Bone Graft:

• If bone was placed in the socket where the tooth was extracted, do not be alarmed if some granules of the bone come out of the socket. Until the bone fully hardens and integrates, some granules may become loose and fall out. 
   

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