After Tooth Extraction

Post-Operative Instructions After Single Tooth Extraction

To ensure a smooth recovery after your tooth extraction, follow these guidelines carefully.

Forming the Blood Clot

A blood clot needs to form at the extraction site to stop the bleeding and initiate the healing process. Immediately after your procedure:

• Bite down on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes.
• If bleeding continues or oozes, place a new gauze pad and apply firm pressure for another 30 minutes. You may need to repeat this process a few times to control the bleeding.

Protect the Blood Clot

Once the blood clot has formed, it’s essential to avoid disturbing it. For the next 72 hours:

• Do not rinse your mouth vigorously.
• Do not use straws or suck on anything.
• Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or brushing near the extraction site.
• Limit vigorous physical activity for 24 hours to avoid increased bleeding.

These activities may dislodge or dissolve the blood clot and slow down your healing process.

Managing Swelling and Pain

• Swelling and discomfort are normal after a tooth extraction and typically subside after 48 hours.
• To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas or corn to the area in 10-minute intervals (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off).
• Take any prescribed pain medications as directed. If the medication does not relieve your pain, contact our office for further guidance.
• If antibiotics are prescribed, complete the entire course, even if you feel better.

Diet

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Stick to soft, nutritious foods on the day of the extraction.
• Gradually return to your normal diet as soon as you feel comfortable.

Oral Hygiene

• Avoid brushing the teeth near the extraction site for the first 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, resume your normal dental routine, including brushing and flossing, to maintain good oral hygiene and speed up healing.

Resuming Normal Activities

You should begin to feel better after a few days. If you experience any of the following, call our oral surgeon in Richardson, TX, immediately:

• Heavy bleeding
• Severe pain
• Continued swelling beyond 2-3 days
• Any adverse reaction to prescribed medications

Our office is here to support you through the recovery process. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us at 972-231-6661.