Extraction
After an extraction, it's important for a blood clot to form to stop
the bleeding and begin the healing process. That's why we ask you to
bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after the extraction. If bleeding
or oozing continues after you remove the gauze pad, place another gauze
pad and bite firmly for another thirty minutes. You may have to do
this several times.
After the blood clot forms it is important to protect it especially
for the next 24 hours. Do not smoke, suck through a straw, rinse your
mouth vigorously, or clean the teeth next to the extraction site. These
activities will dislodge the clot and slow down the healing. Limit yourself
to calm activities for the first 24 hours, this keeps your blood pressure
lower, reduces bleeding and helps the healing process.
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and have some swelling.
You can use an ice bag to keep this to a minimum. The swelling usually
starts to go down after 48 hours.
Use pain medications only as directed, call our West Hartford dental office if it doesn't
seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them
for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection
are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat only soft nutritious foods on
the day of the extraction. Don't use alcoholic beverages and avoid hot
and spicy foods. You can begin eating normally the next day or as soon
as it is comfortable.
Gently rinse your mouth with salt water three times a day beginning
the day after the extraction (a tsp. of salt in a cup of warm water,
rinse-swish-spit). Also, rinse gently after meals, it helps keep food
out of the extraction site. It is very important to resume your normal
dental routine after 24 hours; this should include brushing your teeth
and tongue and flossing at least once a day. This speeds healing and
helps keep your breath and mouth fresh.
Call us right away if you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued
swelling after two or three days, or a reaction to the medication. If
it is after working hours, you may reach the doctor at 860-490-7661.
After a few days you will be feeling fine and can resume your normal
activities.
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