After extraction of a tooth

To speed up the healing process, please take the steps suggested below. Please keep in mind that it is quite normal to feel some discomfort from having your face swollen after tooth extraction.

Day of surgery:

• Keep the compresses in your mouth for an hour or two, while maintaining firm pressure. Substitute them every half hour, as needed.
• Keep the head upright at all times.
• Apply a cold compress on the cheek at regular intervals (20 minutes of cold per hour).
• In case of bleeding, use a gauze or a tea bag lightly moistened and bite for about twenty minutes.
• Many patients have blood flow and notice a reddish discoloration in their saliva.
• Limit physical effort

To avoid

• Remove the clotted blood clot since it serves to optimize healing.
• Eat before the bleeding stops.
• Drink with a straw.
• Rinse the mouth or spit.
• Smoke or consume alcohol.
• Eat foods that are difficult to chew.
• Brush your teeth near the extraction area for the first 72 hours.

Pain

Take the medication that has been prescribed for you, if necessary. Take the antibiotics that you have been given for this treatment, respecting the number of days indicated, even in the absence of symptoms.
Suggested diet

On the day of extraction, eat only soft foods or lukewarm beverages. When you feel better, you can start eating normally.
From the next day to complete healing

• Rinse mouth three times a day with warm water and salt (2 ml or 1/2 teaspoon salt in 250 ml or 1 cup water).
• Brush and floss daily to remove the plaque and promote a better result in the long term. Avoid brushing around the extraction area during the first 72 hours.
• Avoid eating hard foods (nuts, candy, ice cubes)
• Some words may be harder to pronounce and your saliva may be more abundant than usual. Everything will resume its normal course in less than a week.
• You can see bruises on your face. They will disappear after five to seven days.
  Some people struggle to open their mouths for up to five days after extraction.
• If after three days the pain increases rather than decreases, do not hesitate to call us.

Be safe, you will surely feel better after a few days and can resume your usual activities. If you experience pain, heavy bleeding, swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the prescribed medication, please contact us without delay at 819 477-3313.