Extraction Instructions

Numbness

  • Your lips, teeth, cheek and/or tongue may be number for several hours after the procedure.
  • To avoid injury, you should avoid any chewing and hot beverages until the numbness has completely worn off. It is very easy to bite or burn your tongue, cheek, or lip while you are numb.

Bleeding

  • Biting on moistened gauze until the bleeding subsides is the best way to control the bleeding. Change the gauze as it becomes saturated with new moistened gauze.
  • If bleeding persists after 2-3 hours, keep your head elevated and sit upright.
  • You can place moistened tea bag on the site for 30 minutes to help control bleeding.
  • Overnight, it is normal for some blood to ooze from the area of the surgery.
  • If you notice excessive bleeding call the office or go to the nearest emergency room.

Bruising and Swelling

  • You may experience some bruising around the surgery site. This is normal and should resolve within 7 to 14 days after surgery
  • The most swelling you will experience is in 48 hours after surgery. Swelling is best controlled by application of ice packs for the first 24 hours following surgery. Apply ice pack to the outside of the face in intervals of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.

Fever

There may be a slight elevation of temperature for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. If a fever is present, it is extremely important to drink plenty of fluids. Please call the office if there is a concern.


Eating and Drinking

Drinking plenty of fluids is essential. DO NOT SUCK THROUGH A STRAW as this will promote bleeding. Eating soft nutritious food is encouraged as soon as the bleeding has stopped and for the first few days after surgery.


Brushing and Rinsing

  • For the first 24 hours, do not brush or rinse your teeth as this may disrupt healing. After 24 hours, gentle brushing with a soft toothbrush is encouraged, but avoid the extraction site. Avoid brushing sutures, if placed.
  • You may use a warm saltwater rinse (1.5 tsp mixed with 8 oz. of warm water) 3-4 times a day after the first 24 hours to help soothe the discomfort. Tilt your head side to side, DO NOT SPIT for 48 hours after surgery.

Smoking

DO NOT SMOKE for at least 48 hours after surgery. Smoking adversely affects oral hygiene and contributes to “dry socket.” Spitting and rinsing too early after surgery may also contribute to this painful condition.


Exercise

Please refrain from strenuous activity until 48 hours after surgery, as this will promote bleeding and interfere with the healing process.


Medications

You may be prescribed medications. Take them as directed to help control the discomfort. To avoid nausea, do not take pain medications on an empty stomach. Please note: some antibiotics may interfere with the effectiveness of your birth control pills. Please check with your pharmacist.
If you were not prescribed any medications, it is advised to take Tylenol 500mg and Ibuprofen 600mg every 6 hours either together or alternating between the two for pain management.


IF YOU HAVE ANY ISSUES OR CONCERNS, PLEASE DO NOT HESTITATE TO CALL THE OFFICE


If you’re in Durham or surrounding areas, please call our office at 919-439-8999 to get more information about Tooth Extraction in Durham.