What to do after a tooth extraction

After you have a tooth extracted, you are given an instruction sheet on what to do and not to do in the following days.  Often times, we are so overwhelmed from the actual visit, that we forget, or misplace the paperwork that was given to us.

Below are the set of guidelines that we share with patients:

1.  When you leave the office, you will be biting gauze and given a few extra.  Gently bite the initial piece of gauze in your mouth for approximately 30 minutes.  Replace with new, slightly moistened gauze for another 30 minutes.  If bleeding continues after that, you can wet a teabag and gently bite on that for another 30 minutes.  If bleeding does not seem to stop, please call the office.

     Why the tea bag?  Tea has something called tannin, a natural astringent, which help with blood clotting. 

2.  For the first day, you will want to avoid drinking and eating hot foods.  Hot drinks and foods can dissolve/loosen the blood clot.  Eat cool, soft, nutritious foods.  You will also want to avoid hard foods for the following days.
        - Scrambled eggs (cooled), yogurt, a nutritional shake like Ensure, etc.

3.  Do not suck on wound site for the next few days.  NO STRAWS!  You could disturb the clot which will cause bleeding and may cause a "dry socket" which is painful.

4.  Do not overexert yourself for 24 hours.  Avoid strenuous exercise.

5.  Over-the-counter pain medication like Ibuprofen can be taken if you have pain.  If you cannot take Ibuprofen, you can also take another that works for you.

6.  If you are given an antibiotic, be sure to fill it and take it all.  Even if you stop feeling pain, it is important to use all of the prescription.

If you have questions or problems, please call us.  If it is over the weekend, Dr. Jones' emergency contact information is on the outgoing message.