Instructions Following Tooth Extraction
Immediately following extraction keep pressure on the site with the gauze provided, changing out with
new gauze every hour. Usually two hours of pressure is adequate. Keep the area clean of debris and
try to keep your tongue from the area, as this can disturb healing. Brush your teeth as normal;
however, keep your tooth brush away from the healing extraction socket. Do not spit the tooth paste
out, tilt your head to the side and let toothpaste spill out the side of your mouth. Warm salt water
rinses in the morning and at night will help the area heal. Please do not lift in excess of 40 pounds and
avoid vigorous physical activity, such as running, for 3-4 days.
What to Expect:
- Mild swelling in the area of extraction is normal. Using an ice pack intermittently can help reduce swelling.
- Mild-moderate pain can be expected. If prescribed medications, please take as directed. For mild pain, please take over-the-counter Ibuprofen or Tylenol as directed.
Diet Restrictions:
- Stay away from anything too hot or too spicy.
- Do NOT use straws for 7-9 days.
- Refrain from spitting, when brushing teeth tilt head to the side and let toothpaste spill out.
- Avoid foods that get easily stuck in between teeth, as food particles may get stuck in the extraction socket. Examples of foods to avoid include rice, seeds, nuts, popcorn, and other similar foods.
Diet Recommendations:
- Stay on a soft food diet for 4-5 days immediately following extraction.
- Your diet should include
foods that are easily swallowed.
- Good examples include warm mashed potatoes, macaroni & cheese, warm soups and pastas, etc. - After 4-5 days, slowly ease back to a normal diet, however, please continue to avoid small grainy foods like rice.
- Drink plenty of fluids, and do NOT use a straw
Dry Socket:
All recommendations and instructions following tooth extraction are to ensure proper
healing. The most common problem in healing after a tooth extraction is alveolar osteitis, more
commonly known as dry socket. Dry socket is characterized by sharp pain in the area of
extraction site 3-4 days after extraction. If this sounds like something you are experiencing,
please contact our office as soon as possible for evaluation and treatment of dry socket.
As always, our goal is to provide the very highest quality dental care and at the same time make you feel as comfortable as possible. We realize you have chosen us to take care of your trust is never taken lightly. If there is anything we can do to make your dental treatment more comfortable, please do not hesitate to let us know.
As always, our goal is to provide the very highest quality dental care and at the same time make you feel as comfortable as possible. We realize you have chosen us to take care of your trust is never taken lightly. If there is anything we can do to make your dental treatment more comfortable, please do not hesitate to let us know.