Immediate Care After Extraction (First 24 Hours)
- Bleeding Management
- Apply pressure on the extraction site with a sterile gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the procedure.
- If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and bite down firmly for another 30 minutes.
- Rest and Activity
- Keep your head up and relax for the rest of the day.
- Avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours to prevent increased bleeding.
- Pain Management
- After a doctor has prescribed pain medicine, take it exactly as mentioned. Medications available without a prescription, such as ibuprofen, can help alleviate discomfort.
- Swelling Control
- Twenty minutes after each extraction, place an ice pack on your cheek close to the area.
Oral Hygiene and Care
- Rinsing
- For the first twenty-four hours after getting a blood clot, it’s best not to rinse your mouth too forcefully.
- Following the first day, wash your hair gently with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt to one cup of water) both before and after meals for the next 24 hours.
- Brushing and Flossing
- Continue your regular brushing and flossing routine, but avoid the extraction site for the first few days. Be gentle when brushing near the area.
Diet and Eating Habits
- Food Choices
- Eat soft foods and liquids for the first few days. Examples include yogurt, pudding, soup, and applesauce.
- As the area of extraction heals, you can gradually start eating solid foods again.
- Chewing
- Chew on the opposite side of the mouth from the extraction site.
- Avoidance
- Stay away from hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods as they can irritate the wound or dislodge the blood clot.
Long-Term Care and Healing
- Dry Socket Prevention
- Avoid sucking actions (like smoking or using a straw) for at least 72 hours to prevent a dry socket, a painful condition where the blood clot fails to develop or is dislodged.
- Activity Resumption
- Gradually resume normal activities. Listen to your body and rest if you feel fatigued.
Managing Complications
- Infection Signs
- Watch for signs of infection, such as increased swelling, redness, fever, or discharge from the extraction site. Contact our office immediately if these symptoms occur.
- Pain and Discomfort
- Some discomfort is normal. However, if pain persists or worsens after several days, it could indicate a complication like dry socket or infection.
Follow-Up Care
- Post-Extraction Check-up
- If you want to make sure you’re recovering properly and talk about additional treatment options, it’s important to go to your follow-up sessions as planned.
- Replacement Options
- Consider replacement options like implants, bridges, or dentures to prevent shifting of adjacent teeth and to restore functionality.
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Smoking Cessation
- Smoking can hinder the healing process. It’s advisable to quit or reduce smoking following an extraction.
- Oral Hygiene
- Maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine to support overall healing and prevent complications.
Emergency Protocols
- Handling Emergencies
- If you experience severe bleeding, persistent pain, or signs of an allergic reaction to medication, seek immediate medical attention or contact our office.
- After-Hours Contact
- Follow the emergency contact instructions provided in your patient information packet for situations outside of normal business hours.
Your comprehensive treatment and recuperation after a tooth extraction is our first priority at JBDentistry / Jaline Boccuzzi, DMD, AAACD, PA. A speedy recovery free of problems is possible if you follow these steps precisely.
Please do not hesitate to contact our office at any time throughout your recuperation if you have any questions or concerns. At every turn, you can count on our unwavering support.