What to Expect After A Tooth Extraction

Expertise. Reliability. Integrity.

What to Expect Following Your Tooth Extraction

Bleeding

Place a 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick pad of moistened gauze over the surgery/bleeding site as needed
Firmly bite down on the gauze for 30 minutes
Repeat the first two steps, as needed, with fresh gauze, using finger pressure to hold the gauze if you cannot firmly bite on it.

Swelling

Swelling is a normal result from any type of surgery and may take up to three days to reach its maximum, after which it should start to decrease. To minimize swelling:
Elevate your head on pillows for the first few days.
For the first 3 days following your surgery, consistently apply a cold pack to your jaw for 15 minutes at a time (remove for 15 minutes before re-applying) to help decrease swelling.
After day 3, you may apply heat to the sides of the face, massage the cheek area gently, and exercise the jaw by opening and closing the mouth, two to three times a day.

Post-Operative Self-Care

Nutrition

Proper nutrition plays a role in your recovery.
Upon arriving at home following your surgery, immediately begin drinking clear fluids at room temperature (e.g. apple juice or broth). Increase your fluid intake for several days after surgery
If tolerated, soft foods such as fresh pasta, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, etc., may be eaten
No alcohol should be consumed for 24 hours following your surgery as this can promote more bleeding
Do not use a straw to drink during the first week following surgery as this can delay healing

Oral Hygiene

To prevent post-operative infections, it is important to keep your mouth as clean as possible:
After your surgery, do not rinse the mouth, clean your teeth, spit, or swish fluids in the mouth
Do not smoke the day of surgery and avoid smoking for at least 24 hours or more following surgery, as this will affect healing.
24 hours following surgery: begin rinsing the mouth with warm saltwater and clean teeth with your new toothbrush enclosed in the post-op kit and throw out your old tooth brush

Physical Activities

Medications

Sedation

Denture or Partial Dentures

Sinus Grafting & Sinus Precautions

If your surgery involved your sinuses:
Do not blow your nose unless advised by your oral surgeon
If you must sneeze, do so with your mouth open to avoid unnecessary pressure
It is not uncommon to have a nosebleed postoperatively
If you feel congested, use Otrivin Nasal Spray or ask the pharmacist for an over-the-counter decongestant. Use as directed.

To receive your initial consultation with one of our oral surgeons, please contact your family dentist and ask to be referred.

CVOS Oral Surgery improves people's quality of life through the successful treatment of conditions involving the mouth, jaw, face, and skull.