Doctor's Advice from Beyer Dental Ltd - Buffalo Grove Dentist Clinic

Care following tooth extraction:

The proper care following oral surgical procedures will hasten recovery and prevent complications.

• Bleeding. Following extractions some bleeding is to be expected. If persistent bleeding occurs, place gauze pads over bleeding area and bite down firmly for one-half hour. Repeat if necessary. It is normal to find a little bleeding, even for a couple of days. To help stop oozing, you can take a tea bag, wet it, squeeze all the water out, place it over the extraction area and bite on it for 20 minutes. The tannic acid in the tea constricts tiny blood vessels in the wound and helps to stop the bleeding.
• Do NOT rinse or use a mouth wash TODAY. Tomorrow rinse mouth gently every 3 to 4 hours (especially after meals) using one-quarter teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water. Continue rinses for several days. The use of commercial mouth washes during the healing period is not encouraged.
• Swelling. Ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in a towel should be applied to outside of the mouth to reduce swelling – one-half hour on and one-half hour off for 4-5 hours. Make sure any local anesthetic has worn off before applying cold pack or you may get frost bite. Never use a hot compress as this will increase the swelling.
• Pain. For mild to average pain use any non aspirin-type of pain medication you prefer. If medication has been given or prescribed, take as instructed.
• For the next 24-72 hours avoid:
  • all excessive, strenuous activity;
  • don’t pick on the surgical area;
  • don’t drink through a straw;
  • avoid alcoholic beverages and hot liquids;
  • refrain from smoking until healing is well established;
  • avoid spitting vigorously;
  • don’t suck on candy, mints, etc.
• Food. Soft nutritious non spicy foods are advisable during the first 24 hours.
• Brushing. The toothbrush may be carefully used in the area of the mouth not affected by the surgical procedures. Do not directly brush the extraction site for the first 3-4 days after extraction to prevent dislodging of the blood clot from the socket. Do not use any toothpaste. Rinsing toothpaste from your mouth could remove the blood clot. Instead this area can be gently wiped with a clean, wet gauze pad or cloth. After 3-4 days you may carefully brush you teeth around this area and floss gently.
• Bony edges. Small sharp bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing. These are not roots; if annoying, return to this office for their simple removal.

It is normal to experience some discomfort, some swelling, and to notice black and blue areas on your cheek.

If you have prolonged/severe pain, bleeding, severe swelling, fever or any unusual symptoms occur, call the dental office at once. Our phone number is 847-520-0770.