Post-operative instruction after tooth extraction

After a tooth extraction:

The care recommended here should be followed to promote healing. Note that after surgery, it is normal to feel some discomfort and swelling.

Day of surgery

• Keep the pads in your mouth for an hour or two, maintaining firm pressure, and change them every half hour as needed.
• Always keep your head up.
• Apply ice to the cheek at regular intervals (20 minutes of ice every hour).
• If you are bleeding, take a lightly moistened gauze pad or tea bag and bite down on the pad or tea bag for 20 minutes.
• Blood flow and saliva staining are normal postoperative effects.
• Limit your physical efforts. Get some rest.

• Do not dislodge the blood clot that has formed, as it helps healing.
• Do not eat anything until the bleeding has stopped.
• Avoid drinking through a straw.
• Avoid rinsing your mouth or spitting.
• Do not smoke or drink alcohol.
• Do not eat hard foods.
• Avoid brushing your teeth near the extraction area for the first 72 hours.

Pain

• If you are bothered by pain, take the medication that has been prescribed for you.
• If you have antibiotics prescribed for this treatment, continue to take them for the period of time indicated, even if the symptoms disappear.

Diet

• Eat only soft foods or warm liquids on the day of extraction. Return to your regular diet as soon as you are able.

From the next day until full recovery

• Rinse your mouth three times a day with warm water and salt (2 ml or 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 250 ml or 1 cup of water).
• Brush and floss your teeth daily to remove plaque and ensure better long-term results. Avoid brushing the extraction area for the first 72 hours.
• Avoid eating hard foods (nuts, candy, ice cream)
• You may have difficulty with pronunciation and increased saliva. This should settle down within a week.
• Bruises may appear on the skin. They will disappear after five to seven days.
• You may have difficulty opening your mouth. This should subside after four to five days.
• If, after three days, the pain increases instead of decreasing, call us.

After a few days, you will feel better and be able to resume your usual activities. If you are bleeding a lot, are in pain, have had swelling for two or three days, or are reacting to the medication, call us at 450.465.7800.