Numbness
- Don’t eat until the numbness has completely worn off to avoid accidentally biting yourself or burning your mouth with hot food or drinks.
Keep biting on sterile gauze
Continue to bite down on the sterile gauze provided for 30-60 minutes. Extra sterile gauze packs are provided. In case of recurring bleeding, wash your hands thoroughly, roll the gauze, and bite down for another 30-60 minutes.
Avoid Touching the Area
- Refrain from touching the extraction site with your fingers or tongue to promote healing.
- If you received stitches, do not play with them. If they open within the first 48 hours, contact us.
Manage Swelling
- Cold Packs for the First 24 Hours:
- Apply a cold pack or ice pack to the cheek near the extraction site for the first 24 hours after the procedure.
- Use the cold pack for 15-20 minutes at a time, allowing at least 10-minute breaks in between.
- Cold packs help reduce initial swelling and numb the area to provide relief.
- Avoid Heat for the First 24 Hours:
- Avoid using hot packs or warm compresses during the first 24 hours after the extraction, as heat can increase swelling.
- Switch to Warm Compresses After 24 Hours:
- After the initial 24 hours, you can switch to using warm compresses.
- Apply a warm, moist cloth or heating pad to the swollen area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
- Warm compresses can help improve blood circulation and relax muscles, reducing swelling and discomfort.
- Alternate Between Cold and Warm:
- For some individuals, alternating between cold and warm packs can be effective. Start with cold packs for the first day, then switch to warm compresses afterward.
- Use a Barrier for Cold and Hot Packs:
- Always use a cloth or towel as a barrier between the cold or hot pack and your skin to prevent frostbite or burns.
- Monitor Swelling:
- Keep an eye on the swelling. If it doesn’t improve or worsens, contact your dentist or oral surgeon for further guidance.
Remember that swelling is a normal part of the healing process after a tooth extraction. Properly applying cold and warm packs can help manage swelling and provide comfort during your recovery.
Rest and Elevate
- Rest with your head elevated, especially when lying down, to minimize swelling.
Diet
- Maintain a soft diet for the initial days following the extraction, including foods like soup, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies.
- Avoid hot, spicy, and hard foods.
No Straws or Suction
- Refrain from using straws or creating suction in your mouth for at least the first week to prevent dislodging the blood clot and the risk of a dry socket.
Maintain Oral Hygiene
- Directly brushing or flossing the treated area should be avoided
- Avoid rinsing vigorously. During the first week, avoid vigorous rinsing to prevent disrupting the healing process.
- If you do not have high blood pressure, begin gently rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) starting 24 hours after the extraction and after meals for a few days to ensure oral hygiene. Only hold the solution in the affected area of your mouth for 10-15 seconds, then gently spit it out.
- If you have high blood pressure, your dentist may recommend a prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash. Follow the specific instructions provided by your dentist for its use to maintain oral health.
Avoid Smoking
- Avoid smoking for at least 48-72 hours to aid healing. Smoking during the healing process can impede recovery and increase the risk of complications.
Fever
- A slight fever is normal. If you experience a high fever or if it lasts more than 48 hours, please get in touch.
Dry Socket
- Alert us immediately if you experience throbbing pain in the jaw 3-5 days after the extraction.
Avoid Intense Physical Activity
- Refrain from engaging in intense physical activities for several days to reduce the risk of excessive bleeding during the healing period.
Take Prescribed Medications
- Complete Full Antibiotic Regimen:
- Finish the full prescribed course of antibiotics to prevent or treat infection, unless you experience an allergic reaction.
- Pain and Anti-Inflammatory Medications:
- Take pain and anti-inflammatory medications for at least the first 1-2 days as directed by your healthcare provider.
- After the initial period, continue taking them as needed for pain or discomfort.
- Take Medications with a Meal:
- To minimize stomach discomfort, always take antibiotics and pain medications with a substantial meal.
- Avoid Starting Medication at Night:
- Try not to initiate your medication regimen at night. This way, you can monitor for potential allergic reactions during daytime hours.
- Monitor for Allergic Reactions:
- Pay close attention to any signs of allergic reactions to medications, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- If you experience any allergic reaction, immediately stop taking the medications and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
- Your doctor may need to change your prescription or provide alternative medications if an allergy is confirmed.
Follow-Up Appointments
- Make sure to attend any follow-up appointments scheduled by your dentist. These appointments are essential for monitoring your healing progress and, if applicable, for the removal of sutures.
By adhering to these instructions, you can aid a smooth and quick recovery. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.