Home care instructions after tooth extraction

Dr. Peng  and our entire team advise patients on after treatment care after every visit and procedure. In case you need a refresher, we have compiled home instructions after any visit involving cosmetic reconstruction, crowns and bridges, extractions, and fillings.

After Tooth Extraction

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 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing.

Do not do the following activities next to the extraction site for 72 hours after your procedure:

• Rinse vigorously
• Suck on straws
• Smoke
• Drink alcohol
• Brush teeth

These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and slow the healing process.

In addition to these activities, you should limit vigorous exercise for 24 hours after your procedure 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.

Here are some tips to help alleviate pain and swelling:

• An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum.
• Take pain medications, as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Call our clinic at (281) 261-8258 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 should feel fine and can resume your normal activities.

If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at (281) 261-8258.