919-682-5327 It is normal to experience some discomfort for several days after a tooth extraction, but call us if you have:
- Heavy or increased bleeding
- Pain or swelling that increases or continues beyond two or three days
- A bad taste or odor in your mouth
- A reaction to the medication
DURING THE FIRST 24 HOURS:
It is important that a blood clot forms on the extraction site to stop bleeding, reduce discomfort, and speed healing. To protect the clot and avoid the pain of a dry socket:
- Bite on the gauze pad firmly for 30-60 minutes then remove the pad or let it drop out of your mouth into a trashcan. Blood and saliva mix in the mouth and make it look like there is more bleeding than there really is. Some oozing is normal; however, after 1 hour, if oozing is profuse, fold a gauze pad in quarters and place over the extraction site. The sight may ooze for as long as 24 hours. You may also moisten a tea bag with warm water, squeeze out excess water and place tea bag over the extraction site.
- Do NOT spit, suck on candies or drink through a straw.
- Do NOT rinse your mouth or brush or floss next to the site for 24 hours.
- Do NOT use sedatives, stimulants, smoke or use tobacco for at least 72 hours. These may slow healing.
- DO NOT suppress or “hold in” a sneeze. Have sinus or allergy medication on hand, if needed.
- Limit yourself to calm activities. When you lie down, elevate your head with pillows. Avoid heavy lifting.
- Do NOT drink hot, carbonated or alcoholic drinks and avoid hot or spicy foods.
- Do stay hydrated.
- If oral sedation was used, please do not drive for 12 hours. Do not go up and down stairs unattended.
- When the numbness is completely worn off, drink fluids, eat soft foods and chew on the opposite side.
- You will be instructed if ice packs are needed, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
To control discomfort, more effective compared to as a regimen of 3 Advil (600 mg ibuprofen total) and 1 Tylenol (500 mg acetaminophen) is more effective as a narcotic, without any side effects. Take all 4 pills every 6 hours as needed for discomfort.
AFTER THE FIRST 24 HOURS:
- Begin to eat normally as soon as you are comfortable. A soft diet is advised for the first 5 days. Any food that is hard or crunchy can irritate the surgery site.
- Resume brushing and flossing, but clean gently around the site for about a week.
- If antibiotics were prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone.
- Begin to rinse your mouth very gently with warm salt water. Use about one teaspoon of salt per glass of warm water. Rinse after each meal and before bedtime for the week following the extraction.
You may reach Dr. Fleming for further assistance: office 919-682-5327 or cell 919-695-7873.
