Simple Extraction Post Ops

Step 1

Avoid eating until numbness wears off

Step 2

Extraction site may be sore and can experience some swelling, which is normal. You can apply an ice pack for 20 minutes every 10 minutes for the first few days.

Step 3

Once the numbness goes away, you do have eating restrictions. Eat soft foods, but no yogurt due to live bacterial cultures

Step 4

Avoid foods that require chewing for about a week to avoid getting food stuck in the socket

Step 5

Avoid doing any sucking motions such as using a straw or smoking. Avoid alcohol, hot and carbonated drinks, such as soda and coffee. Avoid doing exercise as it can dislodge the blood clot in the socket

Step 6

Remember to replace the gauze with a new one to keep it covered. If the gauze is pink, you are good. If the gauze is bright red, it’s still bleeding.

Step 7

You can rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Just tilt your head side to side instead of swishing it around.

Step 8 (if antibiotics are prescribed)

If you were prescribed antibiotics, please take them as directed until you finish them.

Step 9

You can take over-the-counter pain medicine if you have any discomfort

Step 10

If the pain gets worse over time, come back to the office so we can examine you.

Step 11 (If sutures were placed. Resorbable)

Your sutures will dissolve in a few days and fall out on their own. You won’t need to come back to the office to be checked unless you have some discomfort

Step 12 (non-resorbable sutures)

We will schedule an appointment to return in 7 to 10 days to remove the sutures and check how the site is healing.