Tooth extractions or having a tooth pulled is considered minor surgery, and so following proper post-operative care procedures is important for your recovery and healing. Taking good care of the extraction site and your health during the first week following your extraction will promote a hasty healing process and limit the risk of infection.

However, routine this procedure may be, it’s critical not to overlook the severity of the surgery. Our team at Designer Smiles wants to ensure your extraction site heals quickly and without incident. Here, we’ll provide you with some guidelines to follow after you’ve had a tooth pulled.

Post-Op Instructions for Tooth Extractions

Following these instructions carefully, as well as any other further advice from our dentist, is extremely crucial to your post-operative recovery.

  • Immediately following the procedure, the primary goal is to stop the bleeding and have a blood clot form. Keep a clean piece of gauze over the extraction site and bite down on it to apply pressure on it. Change the gauze every half hour or one hour until the bleeding dissipates.
  • Use an ice pack in the first 24 hours after tooth extraction. The ice pack should be used on the outside of the cheek, next to the site. Continue to use the ice pack after the first 24 hours if you’re still in pain.
  • Do not smoke or use a drinking straw for at least one week after your procedure—doing so can cause a dry socket, which occurs when the blood clot becomes dislodged.
  • Get acquainted with soft foods and stick with them for one week. Go easy on your mouth while you recover.

Only brush your teeth gently, but do not forego your daily brushing routine. It’s essential to keep your mouth clean while you heal. Be careful not to rinse or spit too aggressively.

In Case of Emergency

During your recovery, if you experience significant severe bleeding from the extraction site, as well as from the nose, please call our Coral Springs, FL, office immediately. Furthermore, if you feel your chin, cheeks, lips, or teeth go numb and lose feeling, particularly within the first two days of the procedure, get in contact with us right away.

Our team is always here to address any questions or concerns you might have—both post-op and pre-op. Your comfort, safety, and oral health are our top priorities at Dentist in Coral Springs, Florida.

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