There are a number of reasons that your dentist might recommend a tooth extraction. Some dental patients suffer from tooth decay; others need to remove teeth hindering orthodontic treatment, whereas various patients simply need wisdom teeth removal. While a tooth extraction can be a serious dental procedure, aftercare is just as critical as the procedure itself. As the dental patient, it is important to understand that pain and the risk of infection can be lessened with proper care.

Care immediately following surgery:

• PROTECTION OF BLOOD CLOT: Maintain gentle pressure by biting on the guaze that has been placed over the surgical area; or by biting on a tea bag that has been moistened and wrapped in a piece of guaze. Keep steady, firm pressure for 45 minutes. Repeat as often as necessary.
• RINSING: Do not rinse or use mouthwash for at least 24 hours. After 24 hours, rinsing with warm salt water every 1-2 hours is recommended.
• DISCOMFORT: It is normal to experience some discomfort following dental surgery. If medication has been given or prescribed, take as directed.
• CLEANING: The toothbrush may be carefully used in the area of the mouth not involved in the surgical procedures. A clean mouth heals faster.
• EATING: Adequate food and fluid intake are most important following a surgery or general extraction. If unable to chew solid foods of any nature, you may want to have softer foods such as soup.
• ACTIVITY: Avoid all excess activity, don't pick at the surgical area, don't consume liquids through a straw, avoid alcoholic beverages and REFRAIN FROM SMOKING UNTIL HEALING IS WELL ESTABLISHED.
• SUTURES: If they were used, do not fail to rerturn for their removal on the appt. date given.
• CONTROL SWELLING: Gently apply ice pack to area for periods of 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off.
• ALLERGIC REACTIONS: For generalized rash, itching etc, call the office as soon as possible.
• PREGNANCY & ANTIBIOTICS: Please be aware that antibiotics have been known to make oral contraceptives less effective.
• QUESTIONS: Call our office at 570-752-4542

Bleeding – Bleeding after a tooth extraction is entirely normal. A pinkish tinted saliva and subtle oozing is fairly common during the first 36 hours. If bleeding gets excessive, control it by using dampened gauze pads and biting down to keep pressure on the area. As an alternative to gauze pads, a moistened tea bag can be used, as the tannic acid helps blood vessels contract. Apply pressure to the gauze or tea bag by gently biting down for 30 minutes. Please remember that raised tempers, sitting upright, and exercise can all increase blood flow to the head, which can cause excess bleeding. Try to avoid these as much as possible. If your bleeding does not reduce after 48 hours, please call the practice.

Bone sequestra (dead tooth fragments) – Some patients have small sharp tooth fragments that were unable to be completely removed during surgery. During the recovery period, these dead bone fragments, or bone sequestra, slowly work themselves through the gums as a natural healing process. This can be a little painful until the sequestra are removed so please call our practice immediately if you notice any sharp fragments poking through the surgery site.

Dry socket – In the days that follow your tooth extraction, pain should gradually subside. Rarely, patients report that pain increases to a throbbing unbearable pain that shoots up towards the ear. Often this is a case of dry socket. Dry socket occurs when the blood clot becomes irritated and ousted before healing is complete. Food and debris can then get into the socket causing irritation. Tobacco users and women taking oral contraceptives are at a higher risk of getting dry socket. Dry socket is not an infection but does require a visit to our office. If you think you may be suffering from dry socket, please contact the practice immediately.

Lightheadedness - Because you may have been fasting prior to surgery, your blood sugar levels may be lower than normal. Until your body has had the chance to catch up and process some sugars, you should remember to stand up slowly when getting up from a relaxed position. For somewhat immediate relief, try eating something soft and sugary, stay in a relaxed position, and reduce the elevation of your head.

Numbness – Many patients report still feeling numb hours after their tooth extraction procedure. An extended lack of feeling around the mouth is normal and can last 10-12 hours after surgery.

Swelling – Swelling should subside almost entirely within 10 days after surgery. Immediately following your tooth extraction, apply an ice pack to the facial areas near the extraction. Continue using the ice in 15 minute intervals for the first 36 hours. After 36 hours, ice will no longer be beneficial in reducing swelling and moist heat should be used instead. To decrease swelling, apply a warm damp cloth to the sides of your face.

Trismus (difficulty opening and closing mouth) – If you experience a sore jaw and difficulty chewing or swallowing, do not be alarmed. Occasionally patients’ chewing muscles and jaw joints remain sore 3-5 days after surgery. This soreness can also make it difficult to open and close your mouth. Soreness should eventually subside.

If you have any worries, or are experiencing any complications not mentioned, please contact our practice immediately so that we may address your concerns.