Extractions—Post Operative Instructions

When you leave the office, you will be biting on some gauze. Please continue to bite with firm pressure for 15-20 minutes. At this time, remove the gauze and place another packing in the extraction site. Make sure to wet the gauze and fold into a pillow and bite down with firm pressure. The majority of the bleeding should stop within 20-30 minutes of leaving the office. If heavy bleeding continues, call our office immediately.

If a prescription medication was given after your procedure, take as directed before the anesthetic wears off. This is a more effective way of using the medication than to wait until discomfort has started.

Avoid smoking, alcohol, and carbonated beverages for at least 24 hours. Spitting or sucking through a straw should also be avoided to prevent the dislodging of the clot. This can cause a dry socket which is very painful. Please eat soft foods the day of the surgery and avoid foods such as peanuts, popcorn, or rice for a couple of weeks until the extraction site has healed over.

Do not brush your teeth the day of the surgery. After 24 hours, you can brush and floss like normal (carefully around the extraction site) followed by rinsing gently with a warm salt water rinse (1 teaspoon salt to 6-8 oz of water). This will cleanse the extraction site. Continue to do so 3-4 times per day for approximately 1 week.

If a temporary denture was inserted that day, please return the following day for an adjustment.