After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extractions, 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 apply moderate pressure on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing persists, place another gauze pad in the region and apply firm pressure for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do -Not rinse vigorously, or suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted, you may experience soreness and mild to moderate swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours. If pain is not improved with these measures, call Dr. Harper in the office 303-938-5063 or on his cell phone 718-685-6144.

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. Begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off. Use the pain medication as directed. For moderate pain, 1 or 2 Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours. Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol. Ibuprofen, bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken every 3-4 hours as needed for pain. For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed. Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it. Do not take narcotic prescriptions with benzodiazepine prescriptions (like Xanax, Valium, Versed).

Call the 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 fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction.After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. Do not increase physical activities until Dr. Harper advances your healing when you are evaluated at the post-surgical check.

If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, or continued swelling for 2-3 days, and or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at 303-938-5063 or Dr. Harper’s cell phone directly at 718-685-6144.