Post-Treatment Instructions for Extractions

Please read and follow these instructions below to ensure a healthy recovery after your procedure. 

Pain management: You may experience mild to moderate pain as the local anesthetic wears off (usually within a few hours after surgery). This discomfort typically peaks within the first 48-72 hours and is completely normal as your body heals and any swelling develops.

Immediately Following Surgery: Keep the gauze pad placed over the surgical area, with pressure applied by biting down until the bleeding stops. It is common for some blood to continue to ooze from the surgical site. If you are bleeding, place a small damp gauze pack directly over the extraction site and bite firmly for 30 minutes. If you continue to have excessive bleeding that cannot be controlled, contact the office immediately. 

What NOT to do:

  • Do not brush your teeth or rinse your mouth for the first 8 hours after surgery.

  • Avoid vigorous rinsing/brushing or touching the affected area. 

  • Do not spit or suck through a straw.

  • Do not smoke! This will delay healing and expose your gums to toxins.

  • Avoid foods that are spicy or contain seeds for 1 week.

Recovering at home after surgery:

  • After the first day, use a warm salt water rinse every 4-hours and after-meals. This will help to flush out any particles of food and debris that may have lodged in the surgical area. Do not rinse your mouth for the first postoperative day or while there is bleeding.

  • Rest and avoid strenuous activities for 48-72 hours after your surgery. 

  • Place ice packs on the side of your face for the first 12 hours (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, repeat).

  • Keep your head elevated when reclining or lying down for the first 3 days.

Common side effects:

  • Sharpness may be noted in the extraction site. This is usually the crest of the jawbone or small splinters of bone. These are not dangerous and take care of themselves naturally.

  • Mild bruising may occur in the area of your surgery or face. This is normal and generally disappears in 7-14 days.

  • Jaw muscle stiffness and limited opening of the mouth may occur, and typically improves in 5-10 days.


Medication:

  • Take your prescribed medication as instructed by your doctor and/or as soon as you begin to feel discomfort. Do not take any over-the-counter pain relievers or cold medications in combination with a prescription pain reliever (such as tylenol or motrin) unless instructed by your doctor. 

  • If you are taking an oral contraceptive/birth control pill, assume that it is ineffective while taking an antibiotic, and contact your prescribing doctor.


If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact the office or speak with your pharmacist.