After Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for the 60 minutes after your surgery. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 60 minutes. You may have to do this several times.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the first week as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. As mentioned before, Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery, as its the body’s natural healing mechanism. The majority of the swelling does not appear until at least 3-5 days after surgery. This is why for the first 2 days we recommend applying the provided compression dressing with refreezable ice packs, to the cheek area; in order to prevent the eventual swelling. Apply the ice continuously for the first 48 hours. The more, the better! If no compression dressing is available an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction.
It is important to resume your typical oral hygiene routine after surgery. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day, while avoiding the surgical sites. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you should notice an improvement in your symptoms, However, if at any point you have anything out of the ordinary, i.e. increasing pain, bleeding, fever/chills, nausea/vomiting, please call our office at Cupertino Ca Oral Surgery office Phone Number 408-253-6081.
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