After Tooth Extraction

Home Instructions After the Removal of a Single Tooth

If you have any questions regarding any of this information, please ask your oral surgeon.

Instructions

Oral Facial & Implant Specialists have listed some care instructions that we recommend our patients follow post-surgeries

Bleeding

It is recommended that you not touch the wound, bite on the area or spit excessively to minimize overall disturbance to the wound. Bleeding or red saliva is normal post-dental implant surgery (and can continue for up to 24 hours). If your mouth fills up with blood excessively, bite down on a piece of gauze (we will provide you with gauzes prior to leaving our practice). Please contact our clinic if bleeding becomes uncontrollable.

Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush your teeth next to the extraction site for the first 72 hours post-surgery. These activities can dislodge or dissolve the clot and slow down the healing process.

To minimize the bleeding sit upright and avoid exercise and activities.

Please contact our practice if bleeding becomes uncontrollable.

Swelling

Swelling is an extremely common side effect following a tooth extraction. To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag covered with a towel to the surgical area(s). It is recommended that you apply ice to the area as much as possible, for up to 36 hours post-surgery. You can apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, then rest the area for another 20 minutes, then re-apply the ice.

Pain Management

You should start taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. For moderate to severe pain, our surgeons recommend taking two Ibuprofen 400mg total (or Motrin) every 3-4 hours.

Consult our practice for individuals under 18 and avoid taking more than two different types of medications at the same time.

For extremely severe pain and throbbing, the prescribed medication should be taken, as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them or have been instructed by your surgeon.

It is also recommended that you not drive an automobile or work around machinery for the first 36 hours after surgery and avoid the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Should pain persist after 36 hours post-surgery, please consult our practice.

Oral Hygiene

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after approximately 24 hours post-surgery. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed up the healing process and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you should be able to resume normal activities. If you experience any of the following: heavy bleeding, severe pain, continuous swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to medication, please contact our practice.

Questions/Problems

We want you to have a smooth and pleasant recovery. Following these instructions will ensure the best possible outcome. Please call the office if you have any questions or concerns about your progress. Thank you for trusting us with your oral and maxillofacial surgery needs.

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