POST-OP INSTRUCTIONS FOLLOWING EXTRACTIONS
During first 24 hours
When to call
It is normal to experience some discomfort for several days after a tooth extraction, but call us right away if you experience any of the following:
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Heavy or increased bleeding
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Pain or swelling that increases or continues beyond two or three days
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A bad taste or odor in your mouth
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A reaction to the medication
It is important that a blood clot forms on the extraction site to stop bleeding, reduce pain, and speed up the healing process. To avoid the pain of dry socket:
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Bite on a gauze firmly for 20-30 minutes. Some oozing of blood is normal. However, after 1 hour, if oozing of blood is still profuse, repeat with a clean gauze.
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Do not spit & do not suck on candies or through a straw
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Do not rinse your mouth and do not brush or floss next to the site
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Do not smoke. Avoid tobacco for at least 72 hours because it slows the healing process.
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Do not drink hot, carbonated or alcoholic drinks.
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Limit yourself to calm activities.
Follow these instructions carefully to ensure the successful healing of your tooth extraction
After first 24 hours
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To control discomfort, take pain medication before the anesthetic has worn off.
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To keep swelling to a minimum, use an ice bag over the are for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
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When the numbness has worn off completely, drink lots of fluids and eat only soft foods, chewing on the opposite side.
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Further reduce swelling by rinsing your mouth very gently with warm salt water. Use about one teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water. Rinse 2-3 times a day for the week following the extraction.
Download and print our post-op instructions