Post-Operative Instructions: Tooth Extractions

Pain

• Take ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®) and acetaminophen (Tylenol^®). Begin with 600mg of ibuprofen and alternate with 500mg of acetaminophen every three hours so each medication is taken on its own six hour schedule.
• If given a stronger pain medication, take as directed in addition to the ibuprofen and acetaminophen regime detailed above.
• Write down the medication taken, dosage, and time to limit confusion.
• Take the first dose of ibuprofen immediately following your procedure.

Bleeding

• Refrain from using straws, spitting, or swishing for 24 hours after your procedure.
• Firmly bite down on the gauze placed over the surgical site. Change every 45 minutes as needed. Remove as the gauze turns pink. If the bleeding does not stop or rapidly fills your mouth with blood after changing the gauze, please call our office.
• Remove gauze when eating or drinking. Replace as needed if bleeding still occurs.
• Do not sleep with gauze in your mouth.

Syringe

• If you were given a syringe, start use 5 days after your procedure. Draw up room temperature water or saltwater in the syringe and gently direct the tip of the syringe to the surgical site.
• Flush sites daily for 1 week or until you no longer irrigate out debris from the sites.

Swelling and Bruising

• Expect swelling to increase during the first 48 hours after surgery. It will peak between 48-72 hours before gradually reducing over a week.
• If needed, apply ice to the surgical site for 48 hours. Ice 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off with a towel or barrier between the skin and ice pack to avoid burning the skin.
• Elevate your head with pillows while sleeping for the first two to three days following the procedure.

Diet

• Re-introduce liquids following the procedure. Avoid anything hot and opt for cold or cool liquids instead. Maintain a soft, non-chew diet and slowly advance to a regular diet as tolerated.
• Avoid spicy, sharp, hard, or crunchy foods for two weeks.
• Avoid carbonated beverages for a week.

Stitches

• Unless otherwise stated, stitches will dissolve on their own.

Oral Hygiene

• Resume a normal brushing and oral hygiene routine on the day after your procedure. Keep bristles on the teeth and be gentle in the areas around the surgical site.
• If given a medicated mouth rinse, use twice a day (morning and evening) for one week beginning 24 hours following the procedure. Otherwise, gently rinse your mouth after meals with regular tap or salt water beginning 24 hours after the procedure.
• Do not smoke. Smoking can slow or inhibit healing.

Antibiotics

• Take any antibiotics prescribed until the course is completed.

Activity

• Avoid or limit strenuous activity after the procedure. Gradually increase as tolerated.