What Should I Expect After My Tooth Extraction?

• To help control bleeding, bite firmly on the gauze placed by your dentist. The pressure helps to form a blood clot in the tooth socket. If you have a lot of bleeding, bite on a regular tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea aids in forming a blood clot. Bite on the tea bag until the bleeding stops. Change the gauze every ½ hour, until the bleeding stops. It is normal for the extraction site to ooze blood, since it mixes with your saliva.
• The extraction site will be hurting and it will take several months for the site to fill with bone and gum tissue, this is to be expected after oral surgery.
• Limit activities for the first 24 hours after extraction. Rest during the day and go to bed early. When lying down, elevate your head slightly.
• After 24 hours you may gently rinse 4 times a day with 1 tsp of salt in a glass of water. This will keep the extractions site clean.
• Do not drink with a straw, to prevent dislodging the blood clot. Do not drink hot liquids or have excessive amounts of alcohol, as this may increase swelling.
• Do not smoke. Smoking may break down the blood clot, causing a painful tooth socket.
• Eat a diet of soft healthy foods and snacks and drink plenty of liquids. Be sure to get nutrients to your body such as a meal replacement shake.
• We understand that different questions may arise after treatment. It is our intention to keep you as informed and as comfortable as possible. Please call our office with any questions or concerns that you may have.