After Tooth Extraction
Once a tooth is extracted, a blood clot must form to stop bleeding and allow healing to start. For this reason, it is important to bite on gauze for 30-45 minutes. If bleeding has not stopped after 45 minutes, we recommend that you bite on a fresh gauze pad for 30 more minutes. Repeat this process until the bleeding stops.
Once a clot forms, it is important to not disturb it. If the clot is disturbed, the healing process will be slowed. To avoid this, we recommend avoiding drinking from straws, drinking alcohol, brushing vigorously, smoking, and exercising for at least 24 hours.
Pain and swelling are common after a tooth extraction. We recommend placing an ice pack on the swollen area and taking pain medication as recommended by your oral surgeon. Generally, swelling subsides after the first 48 hours. If you are concerned with the efficacy of your pain medication, please contact [practice_name]. Also, it is important to take your antibiotic for as long as prescribed, even if it seems unnecessary.
We recommend that you continue your dental routine 24 hours after your treatment. We also encourage you to brush and floss at least once a day. This will promote the healing process.
A few days after your extraction, you may resume your normal activities. If you continue to bleed, or experience intense pain and swelling for more than three days, please contact our office. If you experience a reaction to a medication, please contact us immediately.
Dr. [doctor_name] invites you to contact us soon if you have any questions about what you can do following a tooth extraction in [city], [state].
