Instructions After Tooth Extractions

Caring for Yourself After Tooth Removal

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.

Care Immediately Following Surgery

After your tooth has been extracted, healing will take some time. Within 3 to 14 days, your sutures should fall out or dissolve.

Keep pressure on the gauze pad that your doctor placed over the surgical area by gently biting down. Dampen the gauze sponge with water if it begins to dry out. Try to maintain constant pressure in intervals of 45-60 minutes, repeating as often as needed, or until bleeding lessens. Change the gauze as needed.
Keep your head elevated and try to lower your activity level as much as possible.
48 hours after surgery, rinse mouth with warm salt water every 1-2 hours. Avoid using any mouthwash containing alcohol as it can irritate the wound.
Keep your mouth clean by brushing areas around the surgical site, but be sure to avoid sutures. Touching the wounded area in any fashion should be prevented.
Use ice packs to control swelling by placing them on facial areas near extraction.
Take all prescribed medications accordingly. If any itching or swelling occurs, contact the practice immediately, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Try to eat softer foods, preferably high in protein.
Keep your body hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, but do not drink through a straw for the next 5-7 days.
If you are a regular tobacco user refrain from smoking for the next 3-4 days as smoking increases your chances of getting a dry socket as well as an infection.

Know What's Normal

Possible Complications After a Tooth Extraction

While complications are rare, knowing what to watch for helps ensure your smooth recovery. We’re here to guide you through every step of your healing process and address any concerns that may arise.

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.
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.

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.
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.

Experiencing These Symptoms?

If you're experiencing excessive bleeding, severe pain, or any of the complications described above, don't wait – these symptoms require immediate attention. Your safety and comfort are our priority, and quick treatment can prevent serious complications.

800+

Smiles Restored

100+

Services Offered

98%

Satisfaction Rate

4.9

Average Rating

600+

Implants Placed

2700+

Lives Changed Last Year

800+

Smiles Restored

100+

Services Offered

98%

Satisfaction Rate

4.9

Average Rating

600+

Implants Placed

2700+

Lives Changed Last Year

800+

Smiles Restored

100+

Services Offered

98%

Satisfaction Rate

4.9

Average Rating

600+

Implants Placed

2700+

Lives Changed Last Year

800+

Smiles Restored

100+

Services Offered

98%

Satisfaction Rate

4.9

Average Rating

600+

Implants Placed

2700+

Lives Changed Last Year

800+

Smiles Restored

100+

Services Offered

98%

Satisfaction Rate

4.9

Average Rating

600+

Implants Placed

2700+

Lives Changed Last Year

800+

Smiles Restored

100+

Services Offered

98%

Satisfaction Rate

4.9

Average Rating

600+

Implants Placed

2700+

Lives Changed Last Year

800+

Smiles Restored

100+

Services Offered

98%

Satisfaction Rate

4.9

Average Rating

600+

Implants Placed

2700+

Lives Changed Last Year

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From their very first visit, our patients often express that they feel like part of our family. These heartfelt stories truly reflect our unwavering commitment to providing compassionate care and achieving life-changing results for everyone.

Dr. Milne and his assistant were amazing. He fixed a problem that I had from my old dentist. I will definitely keep coming back for all of my dental needs. All of the staff are very friendly and professional.

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3 weeks ago

Muy amables en todo el proceso y el doctor habla español es un lugar buenazo

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4 weeks ago

Dr. Sam and his team are very compassionate and professional. I am extremely impressed with his broad scope of knowledge and skill, for my root canals, crowns, and he even excised tongue tissue and determined it was benign! Thank you Dr. Sam!

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1 month ago

Dr. Delahunty’s team was awesome. They put a rush on my dentures so they would be here for the extraction. Since I was moving the next day. Thank you all!

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2 months ago

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You’ve learned the essential aftercare steps for optimal healing. Your knowledge about gauze use, diet modifications, and warning signs ensures your extraction site heals properly and comfortably.

Contact your team immediately if you experience unexpected symptoms.

Instructions After Tooth Extractions

Caring for Yourself After Tooth Removal

Care Immediately Following Surgery

Possible Complications After a Tooth Extraction

Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews Tell Our Story

Experienced Dentists Who Treat You Like Family

Dr. Sam Delahunty

Dr. Joseph W. Stobbe Jr

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