Post-Operative Instructions: Tooth Extraction

Dental Extractions | Clarksville, TN

Postextraction Instructions, Cumberland Surgical Arts and Associates, PLLC

Prescriptions – If you receive a prescription for pain medication, follow the directions on the bottle. You will begin alternating over-the-counter ibuprofen (400 to 600 mg) with your pain medication. Take no other pain medication or sedatives without first discussing with your doctor. Do not operate a motor vehicle or machinery (lawn mower, etc.) while taking pain medication. Do not take ibuprofen if you have been intolerant of this medication in the past. Take with food if the medication upsets your stomach or causes nausea.
Bleeding – There is gauze over the tooth sockets. Bite firmly on the gauze for 30 minutes to an hour. If bleeding returns, place new folded gauze and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. Slight oozing of blood is normal for 12 to 24 hours after extractions. Do not eat or sleep with gauze in your mouth! Bleeding should never be severe. If so, it usually means that the gauze is being clenched between teeth only and are not exerting pressure on the surgical areas. Try repositioning the gauze more posteriorly. If bleeding persists or becomes heavy you may substitute a tea bag (soaked in very hot water, squeezed damp-dry and wrapped in moist gauze) for 20 or 30 minutes. If you experience bright red bleeding, please call your doctor.
Pain – Take your first pain pill when your prescription is filled. It is better to take pain medication with a small snack or following a meal. If your pain increases dramatically several days after surgery, please notify your doctor.
Rinsing – DO NOT rinse or spit today. Tomorrow, begin gentle rinsing with the medicated mouthwash prescribed. If you were not prescribed a mouthwash, you will begin gentle rinsing with warm salt water (one teaspoon table salt in 12 ounces of warm tap water) after each meal and at bedtime. You may carefully brush your teeth beginning tonight.
Diet – Take only liquids or very soft food today. Advance your diet tomorrow as tolerated. Avoid hot, spicy foods for one week. Do not use a straw for the first four days after surgery. It is sometimes advisable, but not absolutely required, to confine the first day’s intake to liquids or pureed foods (soups, puddings, yogurt, milk shakes, etc.). It is best to avoid foods like nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, rice, oatmeal, eggs, or tortilla chips that may get lodged in the socket areas. It is important not to skip meals! If you take nourishment regularly you will feel better, gain strength, have less discomfort and heal faster. If you have diabetes, maintain your normal eating habits or follow instructions given by your doctor.
Sharp Edges - If you feel something hard or sharp edges in the surgical areas, it is likely you are feeling the bony walls that once supported the extracted teeth. Occasionally, small slivers of bone may work themselves out during the following week or so. If they cause concern or discomfort, please call our office at 931-552-3292.
Swelling – Swelling and bruising are normal during the first two to three days. An ice pack on each side of the lower jaw for the first 24 hours will decrease pain and swelling. Swelling can also be controlled by elevating your head on two pillows while sleeping. If swelling dramatically increases after several days, please notify your doctor. (No heating pad for the first 2-3 days as this can increase swelling.)
Smoking – DO NOT smoke or use chewing tobacco for at least one week. The heat and toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke are harmful to healing wounds and increase the chance of dry sockets.
Stitches – You may notice some stitches in your mouth. These will dissolve over one or two weeks. Do not be concerned if you lose a stitch prior to the return appointment.
Irrigation – If instructed by your surgeon, you may begin irrigating with the syringe provided 2 days after surgery. Irrigate the lower extraction sites with warm water two to three times per site after EACH meal or snack.