Extractions Post Operative Instructions

Immediately Following Extractions

  1. Maintain constant pressure on the extraction sites by biting on the cotton gauze. Even if you must talk, do so through gritted teeth. If you open slightly, the clotting is set back.
  2. When you get home, take out one or two of the gauze we gave you, fold them into a small pad and replace the one in your mouth. Continue biting. Change gauze every 30-40 minutes.
  3. Minimize strenuous activity including lifting objects, bending over, going up and down stairs. Anything that raises your blood pressure will make you bleed longer. Ideally, sit down, put your feet up and relax.
  4. Bleeding times vary from less than one hour to six hours or more.
  5. Cold compresses to the outside of your face, 20 minutes on/20 minutes off will help to reduce swelling. The cold will only help during the first 24-36 hours.
  6. The anesthetic should last for about two hours. Before it wears off, you may want to take a medication for pain/soreness. Tylenol is best. Ibuprofen and aspirin will slow clotting. If you were given a prescription for pain, you may want to take that, but you may not need something that strong.
  7. If most of the bleeding has stopped, but some slight oozing remains, try this: wet a tea bag, wrap it in the gauze and bite on it for half an hour. There is something in the tea that helps with clotting.

 

Once the Bleeding Stops

  1. Your first instinct is to rinse your mouth out to get rid of the taste of blood. DO NOT DO THIS!! For the first 24 hours, you must avoid suction pressures - drinking through a straw, smoking and spitting. So, to get rid of the taste, put water in your mouth, roll your head, lean over the sink and drool. Use the same method after brushing your teeth.
  2. Take any prescription medications as directed. Remember, if taking a narcotic, to put something in your stomach before taking it to avoid stomach upset and to see how the medication affects you before driving.
  3. Take it easy. Wait a day for strenuous activity. Return to work and school the next day is normal.
  4. Softer foods and liquids will be easier to eat, but you can eat whatever you like.
  5. The gum tissue around the extraction site will take one to two weeks to close up. Mild rinsing, after the first 24 hours, will help to keep the area clean. Your normal mouthwash is fine.

 

Reasons to Call

  1. Bleeding does not stop. Constant biting pressure is the key. Try the tea bag for 30-40 minutes. If you are still bleeding after six hours, then call.
  2. Unusual pain not relieved by pain medication.

 

Follow Up

If you had stitches placed, please keep your appointment for their removal.

22 Mulberry Street, Suite 1B, Middletown, New York 10940
Phone: 845.343.6908 | Fax: 845.343.5850 | Email: office@JohnLynchDMD.com
Dr. Lynch is a general dentist, cosmetic dentist, family dentist and implant dentist who welcomes new patients from Orange County, Rockland County, Dutchess County, Sullivan County, Ulster County, Sussex County and Passaic County including the towns of Middletown, Minisink, Goshen, Warwick, Chester, Monroe, New Hampton, Greenville, Ellenville, Florida, Pine Bush, Mount Hope, Circleville, Montgomery, Port Jervis, Liberty,Vernon,Walden, Scotchtown, Otisville, Bloomingburg and New Windsor. He provides dental services such as porcelain veneers, dental implants, cosmetic bonding, porcelain fillings, bridges, Lumineers, bleaching, whitening, night guards, athletic mouth guards, root canals, dentures, mini implants, extractions, oral surgery, Arestin, dental hygiene, crowns, tooth colored fillings,oral cancer screening and digital x-rays.