Call Today: 303-791-3232

After Tooth Extraction

A moderate amount of bleeding or oozing is expected following your surgical procedure. Bite down gently on gauze packs that have been placed over the surgical site, making sure they remain in place. Do not change them for the first hour, unless the bleeding is not controlled. If active bleeding persists, place enough gauze to obtain firm pressure over the surgical site for an additional hour. The gauze then may be changed as necessary. If there is no evidence that bleeding is slowing down after 4-5 hours, place a moist tea bag over the surgical site and bite down firmly for 1 hour. If bleeding persists, please call the office at (303) 791-3232.

After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities could dislodge or dissolve the clot and slow the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually begins to subside after 48 hours.

Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at 303-791-3232.

Jeremy K. Miner, D.D.S.

E. Marc Weideman, D.M.D., M.D.