CARE OF YOUR MOUTH FOLLOWING EXTRACTIONS
- Immediately following a tooth extraction, keep pressure on gauze by biting together until the bleeding stops – this usually occurs within the first few hours. If heavy bleeding continues, call Dr. Frey at the office or on his cell phone if it is after hours – (765) 376-7272.
- Do not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, or drink through a straw for a minimum of 48 hours. These activities will disturb the formation and healing of the blood clot and a dry socket will likely result – these are extremely painful.
- Do not suck on the extraction site.
- Immediately after a tooth is extracted, you may experience some discomfort and notice some swelling.
- To reduce swelling, place ice packs on the side of your face off and on every 20 minutes for the first several hours.
- Reduce strenuous activities for the first 24 hours.
- Drink plenty of fluids and maintain as normal a diet as possible, which may be limited to soft foods for the first few days.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and hot liquids for the first 24 hours.
- Brush and floss as normal, but be careful around the extraction site.
- Tomorrow (the day after the extractions), gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water 4-6 times per day. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in approximately 8 ounces of warm water.
- Depending on your specific situation, medication may be prescribed to help control pain and infection.
- If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call Dr. Frey at the office or on his cell phone at (765) 376-7272.