Extractions

Read what to expect from a tooth surgical extraction and how to care for it after the procedure.

1. Pressure should be placed on the gauze pad that has been put over the extraction site for one hour. If the bleeding continues new gauze should be placed and pressure applied for another 45 minutes.

2. If you are supervising children who have had an extraction done, make sure they don’t bite on their numb lips or tongue (it can cause serious injury to their soft tissue).

3. Avoid eating or drinking anything hot on the day of your extraction. Also, do not rinse your mouth and do not use a straw for drinking. Do not spit and do not drink carbonated beverages. Do not brush on the day of the surgery; you can gently resume your brushing and flossing the day after.

4. You may experience some pain, bruising around your lips, and/or some swelling, especially after extraction of impacted wisdom teeth. Ice bag application and medication prescribed for you will help to minimize your discomfort.

5. Please take all the medication you have received based on the provided instructions.

6. During the first 2-3 days after surgery a diet of soft food and liquids is recommended (soup, yogurt, milkshakes and juice).

7. For more complex surgical procedures, including Impacted Wisdom Tooth Extraction, Implant Surgical Procedures, etc: You can use an ice pack which should be used for the rest of the day until you go to bed on the day of surgery (10 minutes on and 5 minutes off). Instructions for various surgical treatments will have some unique directions, which will be supplied to you at the time of your treatment.

8. For excessive bleeding, get a cup of very warm water. Place 3 tea bags in the water and let sit for 10 minutes to create a concentrated tea solution. Dip some gauze in the solution and squeeze them out. Fold them and place them over the extraction site. You should have enough gauze in to apply firm pressure to the area when your mouth is closed. There is an acid in the tea solution that should help the bleeding to slow and a clot to begin.

9. Call our office if you have any questions or concerns. In case of serious emergencies call 911.