Dental Extraction Post Op Instructions

*These guidelines are an example and not intended as medical advice. Please only follow the post op instructions provided to you by your dentist.

For the next three days:

No excessively hot foods
Avoid eating sharp, hard pointed foods that can disturb the area
Avoid heavy lifting, strenuous activity
No using straws
No smoking or vaping
No vigorous rinsing
No blowing/musical instruments

Will I get a dry socket?

The preceding guidelines are intended to reduce the chance of developing a dry socket. A dry socket happens when the blood clot that forms in the socket immediately after the extraction is lost too soon. The blood clot in the socket is a natural band aid that helps the site heal. A dry socket would cause a sudden increase in pain, usually during the first 3 days. Please call the office if you think you are experiencing a dry socket. While this condition is not dangerous, and resolves on its own, we can apply a medicine that will help soothe the pain.
People who smoke, are pregnant, or are taking birth control pills are most susceptible to developing dry sockets.

Bleeding:

You probably left the office while biting firmly on gauze. Biting hard on gauze for 30 minutes is an effective way to control bleeding. After thirty minutes of firm biting, you may discard your gauze.
If bleeding returns or persists, roll up some of the gauze in your take home kit and place it over the extraction site. Bite with firm pressure for another 30 minutes. It is important to pack the gauze over the socket in a way that ensures biting will deliver adequate pressure to the socket. This procedure can be repeated. Some gentle oozing from the extraction site is normal. If bleeding becomes uncontrollable, go to the nearest emergency room.

Sutures:

Your doctor may have placed sutures or stitches after your extraction. Check with your doctor if they need to be removed. Some types of stitches are absorbed by the body after about a week, while silk stitches need to be removed by your doctor.

Pain:

Studies show that for the majority of surgical procedures performed in the dental office, over the counter pain medicine is sufficient.
Do not follow the following pain regimen without first consulting with your doctor, since some patients may have conditions or are taking other medications that would cause following medications to be contraindicated.

Studies show that there is a synergistic effect when taking Tylenol and Advil together, surpassing the efficacy of some narcotic pain medications. After two days, pain medication can usually be taken only as needed.
Patients may begin taking pain medications as soon as they can after their procedure, instead of waiting for the pain to occur. Follow the pain regimen recommended by your doctor.

Antibiotics:

Antibiotics are not indicated for every extraction procedure. Discuss with your doctor if you require antibiotics.

What to expect:

The first three days after an extraction are the most uncomfortable. Nevertheless, your pain should improve a little bit every day. If you experience an increase in pain at any point following the extraction, please call the office for a follow up appointment.

When to go to the Emergency Room:

Go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital if you experience uncontrollable bleeding, swelling of the face or throat that causes difficulty breathing, or fever.