Care Instructions after Extractions

Care Instructions after Extractions

If you received an injection, please try to avoid eating on that side until the anesthetic wears off to prevent injury to your mouth. The injection site may feel sore for several days. Tylenol or Advil may help with discomfort.
Make sure to keep pressure on the extraction site to stop bleeding. Please keep biting on the gauze for at least 5 hours, changing the gauze every 2 hours or as needed. If severe bleeding persists after 5 hours, please call the office immediately
Please avoid spitting, drinking through a straw, smoking, or vigorous rinsing for at least 72 hours. Creating any kind of suction in your mouth may disrupt the blood clot in the extraction site, causing a DRY SOCKET, a very painful condition which is difficult to treat and may cause intense pain for up to 1 week.
If we prescribed antibiotics, please take the full course EVEN IF THE AREA FEELS NORMAL. Take painkillers as prescribed, or Tylenol or Advil for mild discomfort.
It is common for the extraction site to feel sore to touch for at least 2 weeks and longer in some cases. Depending on the difficulty of the extraction and your body’s reparative ability, complete healing may take longer. It is normal for the extraction site to not fill in completely for at least several weeks.