Post-Operative Instructions: Extractions

Extractions & Wisdom Teeth Post-Op Instructions

Please follow the instructions below to ensure the best results.

Gauze/Bleeding:

Bite on gauze to stop the bleeding. Remove it after 20-30 minutes. Do not split. If still bleeds-use another gauze and apply pressure over the site for another 20-30 min. Keep your head elevated.

Ice and Swelling:

Swelling is common in the first 2-3 days. A cold pack/ice is recommended 10 min on & 10 min off for the first 24 hours. Keep your head elevated for the first two days.

Medication:

It is essential to take the antibiotic as directed. Any pain medication should be taken as soon as possible. Try to not take meds on an empty stomach.

Eating:

Do NOT use a straw as it may dislodge a blood clot trying to form. For the first two days -> eat cold and soft food. Great examples include ice cream, yogurt, smoothies (without straw), cottage cheese, milkshake, jello. Avoid spicey food for one week.

Rinses:

DO NOT use mouth rinse the day of extraction. Start using chlorhexidine 24 hours after the extraction.

Smoking:

Refrain from smoking until the healing phase has completed. This means absolutely no smoking for at least 5 days, but ideally for the entire first month of healing. Tobacco of any kind may delay healing and create a dry socket.

Activities:

Avoid strenuous activities – lifting, running or another similar activities for a week.

Alcohol & Carbonated Drinks:

No alcohol or carbonated drinks for 1 week.

Rest:

Make sure to get plenty of rest. Keep head elevated for the first 3 nights.

Pain:

Pain can vary a lot based on several factors like if the tooth came out easily or had to be a difficult surgery. Take pain medicine as soon as you can after the extraction.

Going back to work:

This depends on you. If your work does not require heavy lifting, you can go back to work whenever you feel comfortable. Most people take 2-3 days off for regular extraction and an entire week for wisdom teeth extraction, but a few extremists will work the next day.

Sutures:

If you had sutures placed, that means we had to do a larger. Most sutures in use are resorbable which means they will dissolve naturally in 1-2 weeks. Try to not play with the sutures. After two weeks, if you can still feel your sutures, come in, and we can remove them for you.

Questions?