Ideal Post-Op Care Following a Tooth Extraction
While tooth extractions at Horizon Dental are typically considered a last resort, they are necessary in some cases to protect your long-term oral health. When a tooth is severely damaged, infected, or crowding other teeth, removal can prevent further complications.
Following a tooth extraction, following the right aftercare routine is key for healing, minimizing discomfort, and reducing the risk of infection or dry socket. Following our team’s instructions ensures a smoother, safer recovery.
Follow the Rule of Three S’s
- No spitting
- No straws
- No smoking
24 hours after surgery, you can begin rinsing with a saltwater solution (mix one teaspoon of table salt with 8 oz of warm water). Allow the saltwater to contact the area affected by surgery, then allow the water to fall out of the mouth into the sink, respecting the “no spitting rule.” Patients are advised to avoid over-the-counter mouthwash while healing.
What to Eat
Stick to soft foods. Items like applesauce, mashed potatoes, bananas, protein drinks, scrambled eggs, and (the crowd favorite) ice cream are good options for about three days. After the initial healing has taken place, patients are advised to experiment with other foods while focusing on chewing in the areas of the mouth not affected by the surgery.
What to Expect with Bleeding
Some bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours. We always recommend avoiding sleeping on a silk pillowcase, as light bleeding is a common occurrence. Patients who did not receive a bone graft at the time of extraction will likely leave our office while biting on gauze (to apply pressure to the wound) to slow down healing, with instructions to remove it within 45 minutes of leaving our office. Leaving the gauze in place too long can encourage bleeding to last longer, which we do not want. If you experience more than “light” bleeding (for example, the mouth fills with blood within a few seconds), replace the gauze and keep pressure until the bleeding slows again. If this does not help, we will provide a black tea bag—wet the tea bag and bite on it until the bleeding slows. If you continue to experience issues after following these instructions, please get in touch with our office.
Dealing with Pain
Alternating Tylenol and ibuprofen every three hours is an effective pain management regimen unless instructed otherwise by our team or your primary physician. Pain is a standard part of the healing process after dental surgery and should continue to improve over the next 10 to 14 days. Placing ice packs on your cheek for 10 minutes, then removing them for 10 minutes (repeating this process), will help reduce pain and swelling in the first 24 hours after surgery.
Avoiding Dry Socket
Dry socket is the most common complication after dental extractions. Generally, a patient will experience a normal healing process until around day three to five when the blood clot is pulled out of the socket, causing the patient pain. The patient will experience a spike of pain that feels worse than the day before. If this happens, the patient should call the office, and we will schedule an evaluation.
Aftercare following a tooth extraction is essential for promoting smooth, complication-free healing. By following our instructions for cleaning, medication, and activity restrictions, you support a healthy recovery and ensure the best possible outcome for your oral health. If you have any questions about tooth extraction aftercare, please let us know!
