Post-Operative Extraction Care:

Bleeding after an extraction is to be expected. Use the sterile gauze we provide and apply gentle but firm biting pressure over the extraction site. Change the gauze every 5-10 minutes as necessary. Lightly moisten the gauze prior to changing the gauze. Wash Hands well before and after each change. If heavy bleeding persists for more than an hour, you may use a damp Lipton® or Black Tea bag wrapped in gauze to bite down on. There is Tanic Acid in black tea that will naturally help to form a clot.

Swelling may occur. You can place a bag of ice or frozen peas over the swollen area for 30 minutes on, and 30 minutes off for a period of 3-5 hours as necessary.

Pain is a common symptom after an extraction. It is advised to take medications prescribed for the full length indicated in the directions. If you are able, you may also take Ibuprofen, or any non-aspirin medication to help reduce inflammation. Pain can result from inflammation. Keeping the inflammation down will help decrease the pain. Take 600-800mg OTC Ibuprofen every 4-6 hours.

A light food diet with plenty of clear liquids is recommended. DO NOT chew on the extraction site, and DO NOT disturb any sutures placed.

Bony edges or small fragments of bone are sometimes present after a surgical extraction. These are not roots. These small bony fragments may require a simple removal.

Please call our office with questions or concerns, (541) 756-1117.

Post –Operative Bone Grafting Care:

You will have sutures that need to be removed in 1-2 weeks. There is also a resorbable collagen plug which is covering and holding the graft material in place. You may notice a few sand like granules that come loose a day or two after the graft is placed. DO NOT be alarmed. This is normal. If you lose a substantial amount, please call our office right away. We may need to place more graft material . If any unusual symptoms occur, or you have pain for more that  3 or 4 days, please call our office at once.

The 4 Basic Rules:

  1. Do NOT Rinse your mouth today. Swishing can dislodge a clot and cause delayed healing.
  2. Do Not Spit Forcefully. Swallowing is preferred, and  after 24 hours you are encouraged to gargle gently every 3 to 4 hours with a warm salt water rinse.
  3. Do Not Smoke For At Least 3 Days. Smoking creates negative pressure in the mouth and can draw out the clot causing a Dry Socket. It also inhibits the healing time and you will take longer to recover.
  4. Do Not Drink Through A Straw. For at least 24 hours. This action causes negative vacuum pressure in the mouth, which may release the clot and prevent a new one from forming.

Dry Socket is when a blood clot has been dislodged from an extraction site. The result is a very painful condition which needs to be treated by  your Dentist.  Dry sockets usually occur 3-4 days after an extraction. Please call our office immediately if you feel you are experiencing a unusually high amount of pain. You may have a dry socket.

Follow the basic rules!

The information provided here should not be used during a medical or dental emergency, or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Always consult with your medical or dental  professional. More information in this subject can be found at: www.ada.org