Instructions Following Dental Extractions

At Fine Dental Care, your comfort and well-being are our top priorities, especially after a dental extraction. While this procedure is common, it requires careful aftercare to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.

• After your surgery, apply continuous pressure by biting down on the gauze pad provided. It’s natural to experience some bleeding after the procedure. Replace the gauze as needed to manage any excessive bleeding until it subsides.
• Post-extraction, supervise children to ensure they do not bite or chew on their lips or tongue, which can lead to serious injuries to their soft tissues.
• Starting the day after surgery, gently rinse your mouth three times a day with a warm salt water solution (half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water) to aid in healing.
• For the first 24 hours after surgery, do not use a straw, brush the teeth near the extraction site, rinse your mouth, spit, or smoke. Also, avoid hot, spicy, carbonated, and alcoholic beverages to prevent irritation of the extraction site.
• Make sure to fill and take all prescribed medications according to the directions. If your medication includes strong pain relievers such as anything beyond aspirin, Tylenol, or ibuprofen, refrain from driving or operating machinery.
• If antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infection, it’s crucial to take them as directed to ensure effectiveness.
• Swelling is common around the face and extraction site and may increase a day or two after the surgery. To help reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to the area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Place a cloth between the ice pack and your face to protect your skin. After 36 hours, switch to moist heat to continue managing swelling effectively.
• Limit your physical activities on the day of surgery. Avoid strenuous activities and resume your regular activities as soon as you feel comfortable.
• Stick to a diet of liquids and soft foods for the first few days post-extraction to ease the healing process.
• If sutures are used, they will generally dissolve on their own within 7-10 days. During a follow-up visit, we’ll inform you if any sutures require removal.

Contact our office if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, or significant swelling or if you have any questions or concerns about your recovery. Call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room immediately for serious or life-threatening emergencies. These guidelines will help ensure a smooth recovery and minimize complications after dental extraction. Please contact our office if you have any uncertainties or need further assistance.