Post-Op Information Following Tooth Extraction

periodontics • st. charles, IL

Day of Treatment

Please avoid extremely cold or hot foods until numbness wears off. Try to rest for the remainder of today, and avoid rigorous exercise. Increased activity can lead to increased bleeding.

You may expect to have some discomfort when the anesthetic wears off. Therefore, we advise that you start taking your pain medication, either prescription or over the counter, before all numbness has subsided. You should consistently feel better each day following treatment. Should discomfort increase after 3-4 days, please call the office.

During the first 24 hours after extraction, using an ice pack placed on the facial area nearest to the extraction site will help decrease swelling and bruising. Alternate the ice pack on and off in 15 minute intervals.

Small amounts of blood in your saliva may be present for the first few days following extraction. This will diminish as your mouth heals. Should significant bleeding persist, sit quietly and firmly bite down on moistened gauze or a moistened tea bag for twenty minutes. This should allow a clot to form, and the bleeding will stop. Otherwise, please call the office.

Please abstain from smoking for at least 24 hours following extraction. Do not drink through a straw, and avoid vigorous rinsing/spitting during this time as well.

Use the provided gauze moistened in mouthwash to gently clean your mouth instead of using your toothbrush today. Do not clean or disturb the extraction site.

Eat only very soft foods chewing away from the extraction site.

After 24 Hours

Continue to take your prescription or over the counter pain medication, if necessary.

Some facial swelling and/or bruising near the extraction area may become apparent. A warm pack can be applied at this time to aid in comfort and reduce swelling and bruising. Alternate the warm pack on and off in 15 minute intervals. Continue as needed.

Use the provided gauze moistened in mouthwash to gently clean your mouth instead of using your toothbrush today. Do not clean or disturb the extraction site.

Starting today, begin to rinse with a 50:50 mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water twice daily after lunch and after dinner. Hydrogen peroxide will aid in helping to keep your mouth clean allowing for optimal healing. Continue for six days.

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