Tooth Extraction Aftercare
What should you do after you've had a tooth pulled?!
ANESTHESIA: The feeling of numbness will start wearing off in 30 minutes to 4 hours. Until that time, avoid hot foods or liquids, and do not chew. This is to prevent accidentally burning or biting the lips, cheeks, inside of your mouth, or tongue until feeling has returned. ANY CONCERNS ABOUT PROLONGED NUMBNESS, PLEASE CALL OUR AVALON DENTAL OFFICE.
GAUZE PACK: Fold the gauze into a small pack and place over the tooth extraction site. There should be firm pressure on that site. Maintain firm biting pressure on the gauze for one to two hours. Change the gauze pack every 15-30 minutes.
BLEEDING: It is normal for the extraction site to keep bleeding slightly or ooze blood for 12 to 24 hours after the tooth extraction.
ICE PACK: For the first 2-8 hours after the tooth extraction surgery, ice packs should be applied to the outside of the face over the area of the extraction site. The ice pack should be held in place for 15 minutes or so, and then removed for 15 minutes. This should reduce discomfort and swelling.
MEDICATIONS: DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN PRODUCTS as it can cause the increase in bleeding potential. If prescription medications were prescribed please follow label instructions carefully. For most extractions, a non-aspirin over the counter pain medication will provide good pain relief. Do not take more than the manufacturer or doctor recommended dosage of any over the counter or prescription medication(s). If you experience any untoward side effects from the medication(s), please discontinue taking them, and call our Avalon Dental Office. FOR SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS OR ALLERGIC REACTIONS CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY.
DIET: A liquid or soft diet is highly recommended for the first 12-24 hours. It is important to drink plenty of liquids for the first day or two after the tooth extraction. Don't use of a straw as it may dislodge the blood clot that is forming in the extraction site.
ORAL HYGIENE: Clean the rest of your mouth as usual, however avoid bumping and don't brush the extraction site. DO NOT RINSE OR SWISH YOUR MOUTH for the first 24 hours after the tooth extraction. DO NOT SMOKE for the first 24 hours following surgery.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS: A) Dry Socket. This is sometimes a problem after the tooth extraction. The symptoms associated with dry socket are constant moderate to severe pain, bad taste, putrid odor, and poor clot formation at the surgical site. IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS CALL AVALON DENTAL OFFICE IMMEDIATELY. B) Fever. Monitor your temperature for the first 24-48 hours. If Any elevated temperature report to our dental office. C) Swelling. You can experience some swelling during the first 24-48 hours can be expected.
There are a variety of problems that can arise after any oral surgical procedure. Some may require additional therapy or emergency medical attention. If you have any questions or concerns please call our dental office. IMPORTANT: IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY SEVERE SWELLING, PROLONGED BLEEDING, SEVERE PROLONGED PAIN, HIGH FEVER, DIZZINESS, ALLERGIC TYPE REACTIONS, ETC. THAT CONCERN YOU, PLEASE CALL AVALON DENTAL CENTER IMMEDIATELY. IN THE EVENT YOU CANNOT REACH US OR WE DO NOT RETURN YOUR CALL WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME – GO TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM OR CALL 911 FOR IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION
