ACTIVITY: After leaving our dental office today, we suggest you consider relaxing or at least limiting your activity as much as possible for the remainder of the day. Avoid strenuous activity and all aerobic exercise for the next 3 days.
DISCOMFORT: Some discomfort may be present when the anesthesia wears off. You have been given a prescription for an anti-inflammatory (NSAID) analgesic. Please take one tab every 8 hours for the first 3 days. This drug will greatly decrease the possibility of post-surgical swelling and pain and has been shown to accelerate healing.
After the first 3 days, 2 Tylenol, or 2 Advil taken every 4-6 hours as needed, should keep you comfortable. Should intense discomfort occur at any time after the surgery, please take the narcotic medication (if one has been prescribed for you), as directed, or telephone D. Bradley Dean, DDS and he will phone in a narcotic prescription for you.
You may take both the narcotic and NSAID together. Their analgesic effect will be synergistic.
INFECTION: If you have been given an antibiotic please continue taking it as prescribed until all of the tablets have been taken. If you notice a few days after surgery, that pain or swelling are increasing or that you are experiencing an elevated temperature, please call D. Bradley Dean, DDS.
SWELLING: It is normal for some swelling to occur after surgery, particularly in the lower jaw. To minimize swelling after surgery, apply an ice bag wrapped in a light tea towel or handkerchief to the outside of your face over the operated area.
This should be left on your face for about 20 minutes, then removed for 20 minutes, or alternated from side-to-side, between operated areas, for 2-3 hours after surgery. The use of both ice and the NSAID analgesic as described above will reduce the amount and duration of facial swelling.
BLEEDING: It is common to have slight bleeding for a few hours after tooth removal. If bleeding persists, apply a moistened tea bag to the surgical site with firm but gentle pressure for 15-20 minutes. Let yourself rest for 15 minutes then repeat the application of the tea bag for a second time if you still have slight bleeding.
If excessive bleeding continues, please call our office. Remember, most of the blood you may see in your mouth is actually a little bit of blood mixed with a lot of saliva. Blood is a very strong “dye” and a little bit of blood will color your saliva dramatically.
ORAL HYGIENE: Brushing and oral hygiene procedures should be done as usual in all untreated areas. In exposed, operated areas limit your oral hygiene to brushing using a soft bristled toothbrush. In areas covered by periodontal dressing, brush only the chewing surfaces of teeth.
Avoid dental flossing in operated areas during the first week following surgery. NO SWISHING with undiluted mouthwash, salt water or peroxide rinses should be used during the first week following surgery. Also avoid the use of water irrigation devices such as Water-piks for 1 month following surgery.
The exposed operated areas should be gently swabbed with a Q-tip (cotton tipped applicator) saturated with Peridex (Chlorhexidine) as a last oral hygiene procedure at bedtime and again in the morning, after eating and drinking.
EATING AND DRINKING: Do not try to eat until all the anesthesia (numbness) has worn off. High protein foods and liquids are desirable for 3-5 days following surgery. Semi-solid foods may be eaten as long as this may be done comfortably. Eggs, custard, yogurt, pasta, steamed vegetables, casseroles, cooked cereals are some things that you might consider eating during the first few days following your surgery.
Avoid spicy, salty, acidic, very hot or very cold foods or liquids. Also, avoid nuts, chips or other crunchy or fibrous foods which may become caught between your teeth. No smoking or drinking through a straw and no carbonated or alcoholic beverages for 48 hours following surgery to help avoid a dry socket.
The following nutritional supplements have been found to aid in surgical healing. Taking the following dosages for at least 4-6 weeks following your surgery can enhance healing:
Multi-vitamin with minerals: Take once a day. Calcium: Take 500mg twice daily. Vitamin E: Take 400mg. Vitamin C: Take 1000mg once daily.
These nutritional supplements are all over the counter (OTC) items and may be purchased at a drug store, health food store or the health food section of many grocery stores.
USE OF REMOVABLE DENTAL APPLIANCES: If you normally wear a removable appliance which replaces missing teeth, and it rests on the operated area, it is best to minimize the use of this appliance as any pressure on the surgical site could be detrimental to healing and cause discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Recovery from a tooth extraction generally takes one to two weeks. In the first few days, you may experience some swelling and discomfort. However, this should gradually improve. Most people can return to normal activities within a couple of days. Full healing of the gum and bone may take a few weeks. If complications arise, contact our office for advice.
How do you sleep the first night after a tooth extraction?
Sleep with your head elevated the first night after extraction. Use extra pillows to prop up your head. This reduces swelling and bleeding. Avoid sleeping on the side of the extraction. Follow your dentist’s post-op instructions carefully. If pain disrupts sleep, take prescribed or recommended pain relievers.
Are there different types of extractions?
Yes, there are different types of tooth extractions. The two main kinds are simple extractions and surgical extractions. Simple extractions are done on teeth visible in your mouth; we loosen the tooth and remove it gently. Surgical extractions are more complex, though. You need surgical extractions for teeth that are broken, below the surface, or impacted, like some wisdom teeth.
How do I know if my extraction is healing properly?
You’ll know your extraction site is healing properly if the pain and swelling decrease each day. The gum tissue should begin to close over the hole within a few days. If you don’t experience excessive bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection like fever, your healing is on track.
How long does it take for the hole to close after tooth extraction?
The hole from a tooth extraction usually starts to close within a week. Complete healing of the gum tissue can take two to three weeks. For larger teeth like molars, the bone may take several months to heal beneath the gums fully.
Can I go to work after a tooth extraction?
You can often return to work the day after a simple tooth extraction. If your job isn’t physically demanding, you may go back the same day. However, should rest for more complicated extractions for a day or two to aid healing
How do I prevent getting a dry socket?
Avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously for the first 24 hours after extraction to prevent a dry socket. Additionally, Don’t smoke or use straws, as sucking actions can dislodge the blood clot that’s essential for healing.
We want your treatment to provide as positive a healing experience as possible. If you are having any problems or have any questions, not covered in these guidelines, please free to call the office at any time. D. Bradley Dean, DDS can be reached after hours at 1-866-248-8350.