After Tooth Removal

After a tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30 minutes after the appointment and continue to change the gauze pad every 30 minutes until the bleeding stops.

• Helpful hint – Biting on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes also helps to slow the bleeding.

After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities can dislodge or dissolve the clot and slow the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An icepack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48-72 hours.

Take pain medications as prescribed. Use the pain medication as directed. Begin taking pain medication prior to the local anesthetic wearing off.

• For moderate pain, Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 4-6 hours as directed on the packaging.
• Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 3-4 tablets may be taken every 6-8 hours as needed for pain.
• Do not exceed 3000mg of Tylenol OR 3200mg of Ibuprofen in any 24 hour period.
• Call the office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working.

If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

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

After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. However, if you are having any concerns please call us at 469-596-7722.