After Tooth Extraction 

After a tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why Dr Brunetti asks you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the tooth extraction. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad directly over the extraction site and bite firmly for another 30-45 minutes. You may have to do this several times. You can leave the gauze out when there is light spotting or the gauze is pink when you remove it after 30-45 minutes.

After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth directly next to the tooth extraction site for 12 hours. These activities can dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the tooth extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours. If you had an infection, we do not want you to ice the area.

Use the pain medication as directed after the tooth extraction. Call the oral surgery office of Dr Brunetti if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. 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 tooth 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 at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling after 3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our oral surgery office immediately at (847) 367-4190.