Post-Extraction Care 

To ensure rapid healing and to avoid complications that could be both harmful and painful to you, please follow these instructions carefully

A. Bleeding

• Bite firmly on gauze pack that has been placed until you arrive home, or for at least one hour, then remove it gently.  If after removal, bleeding begins again, place another damp gauze pack directly over the tooth socket and bite firmly for 30 minutes.
• Biting on a tea bag that has been moistened and wrapped in a piece of gauze also helps stop bleeding
• It is not unusual to have a slight oozing for up  to 24 hours.  You may find a blood stain on your pillow in the morning.
• Keep your head elevated with several pillows or sit in a lounge chair.
• Do not spit, suck through a straw or rinse your mouth for 24 hours, since this promotes bleeding.
• Do not smoke for 12 hours because this will promote bleeding and interfere with healing.

B. Pain Medication
     Some discomfort is normal after surgery. It can be controlled but not eliminated by taking the pain medication. ​

• If medications were prescribed, fill the prescription as soon as possible and start taking them as directed. 
• If you were not given a prescription pain can be controlled with either ibuprofen or acetaminophen.  Alternating the two provides very effective pain relief. That is, take ibuprofen (e.g., 400 mg), then 2 or 3 hours later take acetaminophen (e.g., 1,000 mg) and then 2 or 3 hours after that take ibuprofen again  and so on. This alternating schedule provides continuous pain relief while taking advantage of the different ways these medications work. 
• Always follow the recommended dosage and consult your dentist or doctor  if you have any underlying conditions or concerns which may prevent you from safely taking the medication.
• Always take your pain medication with a whole glass of water and with a small amount of food if the pills cause nausea.
• Do not drive or drink alcohol if you take prescription pain pills and that some antibiotics can temporarily nullify the effects of oral contraceptives

C. Antibiotics

• It is normal to have some gum swelling and infection around the extraction site for several days or longer.
• We will only prescribe antibiotics if you have facial swelling or persistent infection 
• If you were prescribed Antibiotics before or after the procedure and start to feeling better, it is crucial you still complete the full course as prescribed,  This is to ensure the infection is fully treated and to prevent resistance. .

D. Diet
It is important to get adequate nutrition to help the healing process. Eat normal regular meals as soon as possible after surgery.  Cold, soft food such as ice cream or yoghurt may be the most comfortable for the first day.

E. Oral hygiene
Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for the first 24 hours after surgery.  After that, rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water) every 4 hours. Brush your teeth, but avoid the area of surgery.

F. Swelling
To help prevent swelling ice packs should be applied to the face adjacent to the surgery site.  Apply the ice packs for 20 minutes on and 5 minutes off until bed time on the day of the surgery.  Ice is not particularly beneficial after the first day.  Swelling peaks at about 48 hours after surgery and then starts to go.  Significant swelling beyond this period could mean infection

G. Postoperative Check-up
The surgery site may need to be examined to make certain that healing is progressing normal.  If stitches have been placed in the area of your surgery, you will need to have them removed in about 1 week.  An appointment will be made for you.

If you suspect any problems with healing, do not hesitate to call the office at 705 476-5181 or  Dr. Guy 705 499-3210

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Extraction Post-op Care