Post-Operative Instructions for Extractions & Oral Surgery

After the tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. We ask you to bite down on the gauze for 30- 60 minutes after your surgery. If the bleeding or oozing persists, insert another gauze that’s provided to you and bite firmly for another 30 minutes.

 No heavy lifting, spitting, smoking for 3-5 days, rinsing, sucking (using a straw), drink carbonated or alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours.  Passively empty your mouth when needed.

  • The goal is to keep blood clot in the socket to prevent

              bleeding and a painful complication known as DRY SOCKET  

You will most likely experience one or more of the following symptoms:

Minor pain, swelling, bruising, limitation in opening or closing your mouth, pain in jaw or ear, sore throat.  It is important to listen to your body and take it easy.

  • Oral hygiene: Brush gently. A gentle lukewarm salt water rinse can be used to freshen your mouth. But again, do not spit; just let the fluid passively empty. The corners of your mouth may become cracked and dry – moisturize frequently. 
  • Discomfort: Over-the-counter- pain medication (Ibuprofen, Aleve, and Tylenol) may be taken as directed on the bottle to relieve discomfort.
  • Swelling: Apply cold compresses to affected area at 10-minute intervals for the first 24 hours to minimize swelling. Any swelling that occurs usually begins to diminish within 72 hours; call the office if there is no change.
  • Bleeding: Some oozing of blood is normal for the first 12-24 hours. Put a hand towel on your pillow as some drooling can occur when you are numb. If you experience excessive bleeding, apply firm pressure with 1-2 folded gauze pads or damp tea bag on the affected area for 30-60 minutes and keep your head elevated.  Call the office if the bleeding does not subside.
  • Diet: Drink plenty of fluids.

              Avoid carbonated and alcoholic beverages.

              A soft diet will be easiest: yogurt, milkshakes (no straw), soups, fish, pasta.

              Nothing too spicy is recommended.

              It is normal to have a little tenderness while chewing and difficulty opening wide.

  • Stitches: If you have received sutures, avoid playing with them. Doctor will instruct you to return in 2 weeks for suture removal, if needed. A fifteen-minute appointment will be needed to remove the sutures in 7-10 days.
  • Prescriptions: If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed until they are all gone, even if symptoms dissipate. Some antibiotics can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills or other medications.  If pain medication or a mouth rinse is prescribed take as directed.

In case of any unusual disturbances, continuous bleeding, questions or any post-surgical problems, please call the office 404-289-2589.