Caring For Your Teeth After An Extraction

Smoking can disrupt the formation of the blood clot and interfere with healing.

Avoid all rinsing for 24 hours after extraction. This is to insure the formation of a healing blood clot, which is essential to proper wound healing. Disturbance of this clot can lead to increased bleeding or the loss of the blood clot. If the clot is lost, a painful condition called dry socket may occur. You may use warm salt water or mild antiseptic rinses after 24 hours only if prescribed andALWAYS using a gentle, controlled swishing, NEVER vigorous.

When you leave the office, you will be given verbal and written instructions regarding the control of post-operative bleeding. A rolled up gauze pad will be placed on the extraction site and you will be asked to change this dressing every 20 minutes or so depending on the amount of bleeding that is occurring. It is normal for some blood to ooze from the area of surgery. We will also give you a package of gauze to take with you to use at home if the bleeding should continue. Should you need to use the gauze at home, remember to roll it into a ball large enough to cover the wound. Hold firmly in place, by biting or with finger pressure, for about 20-30 minutes. If bleeding still continues, you may fold a moistened tea bag in half and bite down on it. Tea contains Tannic Acid, a styptic, which may help to reduce the bleeding.

To prevent swelling, apply an ice pack or a cold towel to the outside of your face in the area of the extraction. This should only be required during the first 12 hours following the procedure. Apply alternately, 20 minutes on then 20 minutes off, for an hour or longer if necessary.

Eat normal regular meals as soon as you are able after surgery. Cold, soft food such as ice cream or yoghurt may be the most comfortable for the first day. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids.