After Tooth Extraction

• Bite firmly on the gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the procedure. Replace with fresh gauze if bleeding continues.
• Do NOT spit, use a straw, or smoke for at least 24 hours -- this can dislodge the blood clot and cause dry socket.
• Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek -- 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off -- for the first few hours.
• Eat soft, cool foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, and smoothies (no straw).
• Avoid hot liquids and alcoholic beverages.
• Rest with your head elevated on pillows. Avoid strenuous activity.

• Take prescribed medications exactly as directed by your dentist.
• For mild pain, ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) 400-600mg every 6-8 hours or acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500-1000mg every 6 hours can help.
• Avoid aspirin, as it can increase bleeding.
• Some pain and swelling is normal and usually peaks around day 2-3 before improving.

• Do NOT brush the extraction site for the first 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces of warm water) 3-4 times daily, especially after meals.
• Resume brushing your other teeth normally, being careful around the extraction site.
• Do NOT use commercial mouthwash for the first week unless directed by your dentist.

• Stick to soft foods for 3-5 days: soups (lukewarm), scrambled eggs, pasta, bananas, pudding.
• Avoid crunchy, hard, spicy, or acidic foods that may irritate the extraction site.
• Gradually return to your normal diet as comfort allows.
• Stay hydrated -- drink plenty of water.

• Excessive or uncontrolled bleeding that does not slow down with gauze pressure
• Severe pain that worsens after 3 days or is not relieved by medication
• Fever over 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C)
• Pus or foul-smelling discharge from the extraction site
• Numbness that persists beyond 24 hours
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Allergic reaction to medication (rash, hives, swelling, difficulty breathing)

Keep your scheduled follow-up appointment so we can check your healing progress. If you have stitches, they will usually dissolve on their own within 7-10 days or will be removed at your follow-up visit.