Post-op: Extractions

The following instructions will help minimize discomfort, and reduce the risk of developing a dry socket or infection

DO NOT SMOKE or vape for 72 hours following surgery. Preferably, do not smoke or vape for 10 days.

The heat from smoking/vaping can lead to dry sockets, which can be very painful and increase your healing time
If you do smoke, expect your healing time to take double the expected time frame.

DO NOT DRINK THROUGH A STRAW

Sucking through a straw may dislodge the blood clot, sutures and bone graft causing a dry socket and increasing your healing time

DO NOT SPIT

After brushing your teeth, lean over the sink and let the toothpaste run out of your mouth. As stated above, spitting may also dislodge the blood clot, sutures and bone graft causing a dry socket and increasing your healing time

DO NOT RINSE MOUTH FOR 24 HOURS

After 24 hours from surgery, you may rinse lightly with warm salt water. DO NOT SWISH - swishing may dislodge a blood clot.
Rinsing may help to keep any food particles from the extraction site.
Add 1 tbsp of salt to a glass of warm water.

BLEEDING

Following extractions, bleeding is normal - you just had a surgery. When you leave our office, you will likely still be numb from anesthesia. When the anesthesia wears off, you will have increased bleeding as your blood vessels return to their normal size.
Keep biting pressure on gauze to help to stop the bleeding. A clot takes 5-10 minutes to initially form with the full, healing clot forming in about 24 hours post extraction.
If persistent bleeding occurs and continually fills the mouth full with blood, even after pressure, please call our office.

DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL OR EXERCISE for 48 hrs

Choosing to do either will cause your blood vessels to dilate causing more inflammation and bleeding in the extraction site.

SWELLING

Place an ice pack (or ice in a towel) on the area outside of the face where surgery took place. Repeat for 20 mins on and 20 mins off.
The third day after an extraction is typically the worst as the body’s natural inflammatory response peaks 48–72 hours post-surgery, causing maximum swelling and pressure on surrounding nerves.

PAIN

Take prescribed antibiotics and pain medication as instructed - they will work together to reduce inflammation.
Ibuprofen (Motrin) is the best option to reduce swelling - take 400-600mg every 8 hours.
Severe pain management information is as follows: Take 600mg of ibuprofen (Motrin) every 6 hours while taking 650mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 6 hours. Here's an example of how to space and dose your pain medication:
9am: take 600mg of ibuprofen (Motrin)
12pm: take 650mg of acetaminophen (Tylenol)
3pm: take 600mg of ibuprofen
6pm: take 650mg of acetaminophen
9pm: take 600 mg of ibuprofen
12am: take 650mg of acetaminophen

EATING

Eat what foods are comfortable for you. You may find that softer foods are easier until more healing has occurred.
DO NOT EAT until the anesthetic has worn off.
For the first 48 hours, do not drink hot, carbonated, or alcoholic beverages. Avoid hot and spicy foods.

It is normal to feel some discomfort for about 10-14 days following an extraction.

Call us immediately if symptoms are severe or persistent or if you have: