After Tooth Extraction Santa Rosa CA

Fountaingrove Oral Surgery

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 20-30 minutes immediately following your appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 20-30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood. If bleeding persists you may bite on a moistened black tea bag for 20-30 minutes. Black tea contains a natural blood clotting agent.

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 24 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 outer cheek in the area of your surgical site will keep swelling to a minimum. Apply the ice for 20 minutes, and remove the ice for 20 minutes alternating continuously while you are awake, for the first 24 hours (you do not have to wake up throughout the night to continue icing the surgical area). Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides 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. Drink lots of fluids 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 should 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 Fountaingrove Oral Surgery Phone Number 707-545-4433.