After Tooth Extraction

Home Instructions After the Removal of a Single Tooth

BLEEDING

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. 

Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours. Excessive bleeding (your mouth fills rapidly with blood) can be controlled by biting on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes. If bleeding continues profusely, please call for further instructions.

After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. 

SWELLING

Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery. To minimize swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your face in the area of surgery. Apply the ice continuously, as much as possible, for the first 36 – 48 hours.

Please call immediately if swelling of the neck occurs.

DIET

Drink plenty of fluids. 

Soft, cool foods (ice cream, yogurt, pudding) and liquids can be eaten on the day of surgery.

Avoid hot liquids or food for the first 24 hours.

Avoid small seeds, chips, and nuts for 3-4 weeks.

You may return to a normal diet as soon as possible, unless otherwise directed. 

ORAL HYGIENE

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed up healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean. Brush daily, but avoid the extraction site for the first few days.

PAIN

You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you get home/before you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. 

For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Alternatively, 2-3 tablets of over the counter Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) 200 mg may be taken four times daily instead of Tylenol, not to exceed 3200mg daily for an adult. 

Do NOT take Tylenol and Ibuprofen together, but you may alternate between the two every 3-4 hours if needed. Consult our practice for individuals under 18. 

Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. 

ANTIBIOTICS

Only if prescribed: be sure to take your antibiotics as directed on the bottle to help prevent infection.

SUTURES

If sutures were placed at the surgical site, they will typically dissolve within 2 weeks. If they do not, you may gently pull out with sterilized tweezers. We will let you know if you have sutures.

ACTIVITY

Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery. Vigorous exercising and activities should be avoided for about a week, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

***If you need to reach our office regarding any issues, questions, or concerns, please call us at (716) 276-0909***