Tooth Extractions |

Bleeding

Your dentist will place a gauze pack on the extraction site to limit bleeding and confine the blood while clotting takes place. This gauze pack should be left in place for 30 to 45 minutes after you leave the dentist’s office. Do not chew on the pack. As you replace the gauze pack from time to time, moisten it before placing in your mouth. There may be some bleeding or oozing after the pack is removed. If so, follow this procedure:

1) Fold a piece of clean gauze into a pad, thick enough to bite on. Dampen the pad and place it directly on the extraction site.

2) Apply moderate pressure by closing the teeth firmly over the pad. Maintain this pressure for about 30 minutes. If the pad becomes blood soaked, replace it with a clean one as necessary.

3) Do not suck on the extraction site.

A slight amount of blood may leak at the extraction site until a clot forms. However, if heavy bleeding continues, call your dentist. (Remember, though, that a lot of saliva and a little blood can look like a lot of bleeding)

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Discomfort

The length of time you experience numbness varies, depending on the type of anesthetic you’ve received. While your mouth is numb, you’ll want to be careful not to bite you cheek, lip, or tongue. The numbness should subside within a few hours.

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Post Surgical Pain

After a tooth is removed, you may have some discomfort and notice some swelling. You can help reduce pain and swelling by applying cold compresses to the face for the first 24 hours. An ice bag or cold, moist cloth can be used periodically. The dentist may give you specific instructions on how long and how often to use a cold compress. You can use artificial or chemical cooling containers, or regular baggies filled with ice.

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Eating and Drinking

After the extraction, drink lots of liquids and eat soft, nutritious foods. Avoid alcoholic beverages and hot liquids. Begin eating solid foods the next day or as soon as you can chew food on the side opposite the extraction site. If you are troubled by nausea and vomiting, call your dentist for advice. Avoid using a straw to drink liquids and do not smoke. Negative pressure caused by sucking through a straw or cigarette may dislodge the blood clot that has formed in the extraction socket.

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Post Surgical Cleaning

- Gently rinse if advise by dentist

- Brush and floss all but the treated area for the first 24 hours

- Brush tongue

- Keep food particles out of healing site

- Changes in sensations are usually temporary

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