After Extraction Instructions

Bite firmly on gauze. After 20-30 minutes, evaluate extraction site. Most patients will have formed a stable blood clot by now. If there is no blood visibly oozing from the wound, the blood clot has been successfully formed and you do not need to take any additional steps. If still oozing blood, bite firmly on a folded up paper towel (does not need to be sterile) until bleeding stops. If bleeding persists for 2-3 hours after surgery, bite firmly on a wet black tea bag for 20-30 minutes. Return for evaluation if still bleeding after 12 hours.

Ideally, no pain meds would be administered, as they interfere with your body’s natural immune response. For maximum over the counter pain relief, take an extra strength Tylenol and 600 mg (three regular strength tabs) of ibuprofen every 6 hours. If you are prescribed narcotics do not double doses; this will cause liver damage. For additional pain control with narcotics, you may take up to 800mg (four regular strength tabs) of ibuprofen every 6 hours. Do not take any Tylenol (acetaminophen) with prescribed narcotics.

No antibiotics will be prescribed for the average patient. Call the office ASAP or visit the emergency room if you begin to run a fever or experience unresolving pain/swelling 3 or more days after the initial surgery.

If the blood clot falls out of the extraction socket, this is called a dry socket. The exposed bone hurts and the lack of proper healing may cause a bad taste and/or smell. If your pain is not improving or worsening at any point past 3 days post-extraction, return for evaluation. Do not use additional gauze unnecessarily. Any replacement gauze/paper towel should be moistened prior to placement. Be gentle for 1 week. Avoid anything that could pull or rinse out blood clot: sucking, smoking, swishing, spitting. Avoid anything fizzy. If you are going to smoke, place moistened gauze over extraction site and smoke out of the opposite side of the mouth.

You can eat as soon as you’d like. While you are still numb, it would be prudent to only eat liquid foods to minimize chances of injuring cheeks and tongue. For the first week, only eat soft things (stuff you can cut with a fork). Avoid nuts, chips, gum, gummy and hard candies. Avoid anything extremely hot or cold.

Sutures will dissolve within 2-5 days. It is only necessary for the suture to be in for 24 hours post-extraction. Feel free to remove any loose or hanging pieces of sutures yourself.

After 24 hours, begin warm salt rinses 2-3x per day with ¼ teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water. This will decrease pain/swelling and increase healing. Rinse very gently and do not spit; let the water dribble out of your mouth. Do not add more salt; it will irritate your gums. Do not use regular mouthwash for a week. During and after healing, it is very common for bone spurs to be felt in the gums. Most bone spurs are small enough to come out of the gums on their own. Some bone spurs are larger and need be removed in the dental office. These are not pieces of tooth. All of your tooth has been removed during the extraction unless informed otherwise.

If your sinus has been exposed, you will be informed. Take over-the-counter decongestant for 1 week and prescribed antibiotics as directed. Do not stifle your sneezes or blow your nose for 1 week. Return for evaluation if you experience persistent nasal-oral dripping.