After the tooth extraction, it is important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and for the healing process to begin. In order to achieve this, you will be asked to bite on gauze for about 30 minutes after your appointment. If you notice that the bleeding or oozing still persists, you have to place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. It is not unusual, if you have to do this several times.

The formation the blood clot is important in the healing process so it is very important not to disturb or dislodge it. Please avoid rinsing your mouth, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for the next 72 hours. You also will have to limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this might increase your blood pressure and may cause more bleeding.

It is normal to feel some discomfort and have some swelling after the tooth extraction. You can place an ice pack to the area to keep the swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed and the swelling will subside after 48 hours.

Please call our office, if you find that the prescribed pain medication does not seem to work. 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. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

After 24 hours you can return to your normal dental routine, which will speed up your healing process and will help keep your mouth fresh and clean. After a few days you can resume your normal activities.

In some cases heavy bleeding with severe pain and continued swelling may continue for 2-3 days. If this happens to you, please contact our office immediately.