After tooth extractions, for wisdom teeth, dental implant or other surgery, it’s important for a blood clot to form. Blood clots help stop the bleeding and begin the healing process in your tooth extraction recovery. That’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30 minutes after the appointment to begin your surgery recovery. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, insert another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times. Our oral and maxillofacial surgeons will give you instructions for your tooth extraction recovery. For questions and concerns about your tooth extraction please contact the oral pathologists of Wichita OMS.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids your surgery recovery. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws or smoke for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and slow the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extractions site.
After tooth extractions, you may experience some pain and swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen veggies applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually begins to subside after 48 to 72 hours.
Use pain medication as directed. 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. It may be that the signs and symptoms of infection have resolved before completion of the prescription. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft foods on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth frequently. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for two to three days or a reaction to the medication, call the office immediately.
Follow all surgery recovery instructions to give your body the best chance to heal.