Tooth Extraction Aftercare Instruction

If you had a permanent tooth removed:

It is important for a blood clot to form and stay in place to begin a healing process.  The following lists are helpful Do's and Don'ts to keep in mind to ensure that the healing process is as quick and smooth as possible.

• Do bite on the provided gauze until the bleeding has subsided.  Fold the gauze as shown to you by your assistant and place over the extraction site and close your teeth together. Change the gauze as needed, approximately every 10-15 minutes or when it it saturated with saliva.

• Do place an ice pack on your cheek to help with swelling or discomfort, if needed, in 10 minute increments.  An unopened bag of frozen vegetables works well.

• Do take pain medication as prescribed.
  
  
• Do gently rinse with warm salt water after 24 hours.  Do this 3 times daily for 2-3 days. 
  
  
• Do Not rinse vigorously, drink from a straw or smoke for 24 hours after the procedure. These actions can dislodge the blood clot resulting in a dry socket.
  
  
• Do Not eat until the anesthesia has worn off and your mouth is no longer numb.  It might be helpful to eat softer foods for the next day or until you are no longer sore from the procedure. Avoid hot temperature foods and beverages. 
  
  
• You may experience light bleeding when brushing your teeth in the following days.  This is to be expected and will stop in several days.
  

If your child had a primary tooth, i.e. baby tooth, removed:

You do not have to worry about a blood clot forming.  The permanent tooth is beneath the area and will be making an appearance soon (in most cases).

• Have your child bite on the provided gauze until bleeding has subsided.  See the first "Do" above for further details.
  
• Eat softer foods for the rest of the day if they are experiencing discomfort.
  
• Offer pain medication as instructed, if needed.
  
• You may want to limit their physical activity for the rest of the day, dependent on how your child is feeling. 

Please call the office immediately if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for more than 3 days, or a reaction to the medication.