Instructions After Extraction

 

THE DAY OF EXTRACTION:

• Bleeding: If given gauze, change it as directed every 20-30 minutes until active bleeding has subsided (usually 2-3 hours).

• Make sure to apply good pressure to the gauze.

• You may remove gauze to begin drinking, but return fresh gauze to surgery site(s) if bleeding is still present.

• It is normal to experience light bleeding for up to 24 hours. If there is severe bleeding follow instructions at the bottom of the form under “Excessive Bleeding”

• DO NOT brush your teeth, rinse your mouth or spit.

• DO NOT drink through a straw.

• Swelling: Ice packs may be used to reduce swelling. Rotate ice pack on & off or side to side every 30 minutes for 24 hours.

• Smoking/Alcohol: Avoid alcohol or smoking today and for a week following surgery.

• Numbness: You will probably remain numb for several hours after extraction(s), so it is recommended that you begin to drink fluids, and take pain medication (Over the Counter or Prescribed) before the anesthetic wears off (or when you begin to feel a tingling sensation).

 

MEDICATIONS: 

You MAY have been given the following medications:

• Pain medicine: should be taken as needed. You may take ibuprofen (400-600 mg every 6 hours) in addition to or instead of your prescription pain medication. While taking prescription medication, do not drive or operate heavy machinery. Be sure to eat something prior to taking pain medicine to reduce nausea.

• Antibiotic: should be taken as directed until gone. Be aware that some antibiotics can reduce the contraceptive effect of birth control pills. Please contact your gynecologist or pharmacist if you have concerns.

• Mouth rinse: use as directed on the bottle.

THE FIRST DAY AFTER EXTRACTION:

• Hygiene: Return to your normal brushing routine, being very careful around extraction site(s).

• Avoid using full-strength mouthwashes for 2 weeks.

• Begin using a warm salt-water rinse (1/4 teaspoon salt in a glass of warm water) every 2-3 hours for 3 days.

• Pain and swelling is normal and expected, and may last for 10-14 days. Don’t be alarmed if the third day is the worst.

• Continue eating soft foods. You may begin to gradually return to your normal diet as tolerated.

• Avoid spicy foods and drinks for 2 weeks.

THE FOLLOWING DAYS AFTER EXTRACTION:

• Sutures/Stitches: You may have sutures placed in your mouth to control the bleeding & hasten healing. They will dissolve on their own over 7-14 days.

• If swelling is still present on the 4th or 5th day following the extraction, then begin using a warm moist compress for the next several days.

EXCESSIVE BLEEDING

*ONLY FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS IF EXPERIENCING SEVERE BLEEDING*

• Rinse mouth with cool water & gently wipe away blood clots with a clean piece of gauze or a tissue.

• Take a large amount of gauze or 2 tea bags moistened with water & place over bleeding area & close mouth, applying constant pressure.

• Remain quiet & in a sitting position for 20-30 minutes.

• Repeat steps 3 & 4 until bleeding is controlled.

• After these directions have been followed in detail & excessive bleeding persists, you should call our office.​​​