After A single extraction
After 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 rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours 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. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.
Unfortunately, most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort. We recommend you take a combination of Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen. Recent studies on pain control are indicating that taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) together with acetaminophen (Tylenol®) has more significant post-operative pain relief than taking either drug alone. Also, the ibuprofen and acetaminophen combination has significantly more pain relief than narcotic medications such as codeine, hydrocodone (Vicodin®, Norco®, Lortab®), and oxycodone (Percocet®, Percodan®).
We suggest you take 600mg of ibuprofen and 1000mg of acetaminophen at the same time. If this does not give you adequate pain relief you can alternate the 600mg of Ibuprofen with the prescribed pain medication, eliminating the acetaminophen. All medication should not exceed the recommended dosage. Discomfort should subside daily.
If antibiotics are prescribed, continue taking them according to the instructions 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 generally eat 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 will 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.
Medication:
Take antibiotics as prescribed.
Use an antiseptic mouth rinse (chlorhexidine or PeridexTM) the morning of the procedure or as advised by the Piney Woods team.
Start taking pain medications within 30 minutes after the procedure so it can take effect as the local anesthesia wears off. It is important that food is eaten with pain medication to prevent nausea.
If you develop any rash, diarrhea, or another bad reaction because of any medicine that we have given you, stop taking it immediately and call the office. You may or may not be given a different prescription.
Usually, you should also take 400 mg of ibuprofen and 325 mg of Tylenol® every 6 hours in addition to your other pain medicine. Ask our team or your pharmacist if you should not be taking this also.
Diet:
Do not chew over the area that you had surgery until you see the doctor.
You should maintain a soft diet (smoothies, eggs, well-cooked pasta, etc.) for 1–2 weeks or until you see the doctor.
Other:
Use an ice pack on your face to help with swelling — 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 24 hours.
If you have stitches, they may dissolve on their own, or they may need to be removed. Just ask the team if you are unsure.
Brushing and flossing are important to keep your mouth clean. Just be sure not to brush directly over the area that you had work on.