After Tooth Extraction

Home Instructions After the Removal of a Single Tooth

  • After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to decrease the flow of blood.
  • After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 72 hours, as this increases 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 begin to subside after 48 hours.
  • Use pain medication as directed. Call our 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.
  • The day of the procedure it is best to eat cold, soft foods. Examples include ice cream, jello, yogurt and applesauce. Hot or cold softer foods can be eaten after the first day. Examples include mashed potatoes, pasta, soups and scrambled eggs. Do not have any hard, sharp and crunchy foods for up to 4-6 weeks. This includes tortilla chips, popcorn, tacos with hard shells and nuts..
  • Do not brush your teeth in the area for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours you may brush your teeth, staying one tooth away on either side of the site(s).
  • After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities.

If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling after the first 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at La Jolla Office Phone Number 858-452-8606.