Tooth Extraction Post Operative Care

During the Tooth Extraction Post Operative Care period, it is advised that our patients call our office if they experience any complication. Here at Destiny Dental Implant Center, we have a 24-hour answering service that can always reach Dr. Abadi and we will return your call as soon as possible, usually within thirty minutes.

Important Guidelines for Recovery

For the remainder of the day:

• Do not spit. Use a tissue to wipe your mouth as needed, or swallow your saliva.
• Do not use a drinking straw. Drink straight from the cup.
• DO NOT SMOKE.
• Keep fingers and tongue away from the surgical area.

The above actions can dislodge the blood clot that is forming and will cause bleeding from the area. Also smoking can increase the chances of an infection, dry socket and extreme pain.

Managing Bleeding

Some minor bleeding which usually subsides quickly and stops within an hour or two after surgery, and a little oozing that may persist for several hours, is expected and normal.

Bleeding Control Steps:

1. Initial Gauze Placement: The gauze packs that are placed on the surgical site(s) to limit bleeding while the clot forms, should be left in place with a soft biting down for 30-40 minutes after you leave the practice.

2. Gauze Replacement: The gauze can be replaced by folding a clean dampened piece into a pad thick enough to bite on, placed directly on the surgical site, every 30-40 minutes, if there is continual bleeding.

3. Tea Bag Method: If bleeding continues despite the above efforts, dip a tea bag in small amount of boiling water and place the cooled tea bag firmly on the site and close jaw tightly and hold for 30 minutes and repeat if necessary. The tannin acid in tea will help to form a clot and stop bleeding.

4. Call the Office: If all else fails, please call the office immediately.

Managing Swelling

Most patients will experience some swelling and bruising in the face after surgery which may be mild or severe and is different for every patient. The swelling will get bigger for the first 24 to 48 hours before it starts to go away and may even last for as long as a week.

Swelling Management:

• Ice Pack Application: Using an ice pack on the cheek and face close to extraction site for 15-20 minutes with 10 minutes intervals and repeating for the rest of the day is recommended.
• Sleep Position: Sleeping with slightly elevated head above heart will keep swelling down.
• Heat Application: Switching the ice pack to moist heat on the third day will bring the swelling down quicker.

Diet Guidelines

Eating soft, well-nourished food can be resumed as soon as the anesthetic wears off. Chewing directly on the extraction site should be avoided. Staying well hydrated will make the healing process much faster during Tooth Extraction Post Operative Care.

Recommended Foods:

• Soft soups and broths
• Smoothies and protein shakes
• Yogurt and pudding
• Mashed potatoes
• Ice cream (avoid using straws)

Foods to Avoid:

• Hard, crunchy foods
• Spicy foods
• Very hot beverages
• Alcoholic beverages (especially if taking pain medication)

Cleaning and Oral Hygiene

Day of Surgery and Following Morning:

• The surgical area should be avoided while brushing teeth
• Avoid spitting or rinsing forcefully

Second Day and Beyond:

• Brushing very gently around the surgical area and stitches, if any, can resume on the second day
• Rinsing gently with warm salty water and non-alcohol-containing mouth wash every few hours is recommended

Salt Water Rinse Recipe:

Mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Rinse gently without forceful swishing.

Medications

The medication should be taken with a full glass of water and as prescribed. Please call the office if severe nausea or diarrhea is experienced or pills cannot be swallowed.

Antibiotic Guidelines:

• Take Complete Course: Antibiotics should be taken until the entire medication is consumed. Do not quit halfway.
• Consistent Timing: Take at prescribed intervals to maintain effectiveness.

Pain Medication Guidelines:

• Take as Needed: Pain medicine should be taken as needed for comfort.
• Safety Precautions: For some narcotics which may cause drowsiness, driving and operating machinery as well as consuming alcoholic beverages is prohibited.
• Food: Take with food if stomach upset occurs.

Mouth Rinse:

• Mouth rinse should be used as instructed and spat gently during the first couple of days.

When to Call Our Office

Contact us immediately if you experience:

• Excessive bleeding that doesn't stop with proper gauze application
• Severe pain that isn't relieved by prescribed medication
• Signs of infection (fever, excessive swelling, pus discharge)
• Allergic reactions to medications
• Dry socket symptoms (severe pain 3-4 days after extraction)
• Any concerns about your healing process

24-Hour Emergency Care

Remember, we have a 24-hour answering service at (916) 672-6377. Dr. Abadi can be reached at any time for post-operative complications, and we will return your call as soon as possible, usually within thirty minutes.

Follow-Up Care

A follow-up appointment will typically be scheduled to:

• Check healing progress
• Remove stitches if necessary
• Address any concerns
• Discuss next steps if replacement options are needed

Following these post-operative care instructions carefully will ensure optimal healing and reduce the risk of complications. Your comfort and successful recovery are our top priorities.