Post Operative Instructions For Dental Extractions

Dental extraction is the removal of a tooth or pulling of a tooth. Dental extractions are necessary for several reasons, including toothache from cavity, infection around Wisdom teeth, just to name a few. Pain after getting your teeth pulled is normal and is well managed using several techniques and medications. The day of the extraction, you should eat a good breakfast and lunch before the procedure and talk all of your regular medication, unless directed otherwise by your dentist or physician. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing and to come with an escort that can help you pick up your medications at the pharmacy and get you home safely as talking may be difficult. After getting home from your procedure, you can remove the gauze placed by the dentist to ensure proper clotting of the extraction site. A small amount of “oozing” is normal and may seem more severe than it is when the blood is diluted by saliva. If bleeding persists, please use some of the gauze provide to put pressure on the bleeding site for ten to twenty minutes at a time and check to see if bleeding has stopped. If the bleeding is stopped, remove gauze and allow for hemostasis. Sleeping with your head elevated, with extra pillows, can help to reduce the blood flow to the head for better coagulation. Also, if bleeding persists you can try pressing on the site with a moistened Tea bag. Always eat and drink normally to prevent dehydration and proper nutrition. Leave the mouth alone the first day to ensure and proper clot forms and avoiding spitting, rinsing, smoking or drinking with a straw. Make sure to eat and drink, well before you take any medications, as they can cause nausea. Please make sure your dentist has a complete medical history and list of medications before the visit is scheduled. The next day forward, please rinse the sockets with warm salty water and begin gently brushing and flossing, including the third molar area. If you have any questions we encourage you to contact the office and if it is after hours, the dentist on his emergency line.