After Extraction

Discomfort

• Follow instructions carefully to avoid unnecessary discomfort. Some discomfort is normal and to be expected. The level and duration varies between patients.
• Take the prescribed or recommended pain medications as directed.

Rest:

• Rest quietly with your head elevated for the remainder of the day.
• Always get up slowly from a reclining position to prevent dizziness.
• Limit physical activity as if you have a cold or the flu.
• To encourage rapid healing please REST!

Ice:

• As soon as possible, place an ice pack on your face over the surgical area; 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
• Use the ice pack for the first 6 hours following surgery. This will contribute to your comfort and minimize swelling.
• Moist heat may be applied the day following surgery for added comfort.

Medication:

• Ideally, pain medication should be taken BEFORE numbness wears off.
• If an antibiotic was prescribed, take it as directed until it is ALL GONE.
• Some pain medications may cause lightheadedness. Lying down will help this.
• Some medications may cause an upset stomach. Taking these with food will lessen this side-effect.

Mouth Care:

• Do not brush, floss, rinse and spit the day of surgery as it can dislodge the clot that has formed in the extraction site.
• Begin rinsing very GENTLY with the prescription Peridex™ mouth-rinse 24 hours after your surgery, if prescribed.
• You may begin to brush NON-SURGICAL areas the day following surgery. Remember to rinse very gently. You may begin brushing the surgical areas 1 week after surgery.
• When brushing the surgical area, run your toothbrush under hot water first to soften the bristles.

Eating:

• Maintain a balanced diet.
• Eat softer foods such as pasta, eggs, yogurt, baked potatoes or hot cereal.
• Avoid extremes: very hot, very cold, acidic foods, also hard or crunchy foods.
• Avoid the use of alcohol for 2 days after the surgery or until you are no longer taking medication.

Fluids:

• Fluids should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses of water over the remainder of the day following surgery.
• Avoid using a straw as it may cause a suction, which may loosen the blood clot and cause bleeding.

Bleeding:

• Slight bleeding from the surgery area is normal, however, extensive bleeding should not occur. If such bleeding should occur, apply firm pressure with moist gauze or a moistened tea bag to the area for 20 minutes. If bleeding does not subside, please call!

Swelling:

• Some swelling often occurs and this is normal. However, if swelling seems excessive and is accompanied by fever, please call immediately.

Smoking:

• We strongly advise NOT SMOKING after surgery. Smoking delays the healing, increases discomfort, and may encourage bleeding and infection in the surgical site.

If you have any questions or concerns about tooth extraction please call us!

Beverly Hills Office 310-275-1090
Emergency 310-200-2074