POST-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS – TOOTH EXTRACTIONS

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120 Blackwell Blvd
P.O. Box 271
Wilmer, TX 75172
📞 972-325-8080

FIRST 24 HOURS (CRITICAL PERIOD)

Bleeding

• Bite firmly on gauze for 30–60 minutes

• Replace gauze as needed until bleeding slows

• Light oozing is normal for up to 24 hours

• Do NOT spit, rinse, or use a straw

Clot Protection (PREVENT DRY SOCKET)

• Keep the blood clot in place

• Avoid:

  • Spitting

  • Smoking/vaping

  • Straws

  • Aggressive rinsing

• Dislodging the clot can cause dry socket (severe pain)

Swelling

• Apply ice packs 20 min on / 20 min off for 24–48 hours

• Swelling peaks at 48–72 hours

Pain Control

• Take medications as prescribed

• Typical regimen (if instructed):

  • Ibuprofen 600–800 mg every 6–8 hours

• Start early — don’t wait for severe pain

DIET

• First 24 hours: soft, cool foods only

  • Yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies (NO STRAW)

• Avoid:

  • Hot foods

  • Crunchy/hard foods

  • Seeds, nuts, chips

• Chew on opposite side

ORAL HYGIENE

• Do NOT brush surgical site for first 24 hours

• After 24 hours:

  • Gentle brushing

  • Warm salt water rinses (2–3x/day)

• No aggressive rinsing

ACTIVITY

• Rest for first 24 hours

• Avoid:

  • Exercise

  • Heavy lifting

  • Bending over

SMOKING / ALCOHOL

🚫 No smoking or vaping for at least 72 hours (preferably 7 days)
🚫 Avoid alcohol while healing

Smoking = high risk for dry socket and infection

SUTURES

• May dissolve on their own

• If not, follow-up will be scheduled for removal

WHAT IS NORMAL

• Mild to moderate pain

• Swelling

• Bruising

• Limited mouth opening

WARNING SIGNS – CALL IMMEDIATELY

📞 972-325-8080 

• Severe pain after 2–3 days (possible dry socket)

• Increasing swelling after 3 days

• Fever

• Pus or foul taste

• Persistent heavy bleeding

MEDICATIONS

• Take all medications as prescribed

• Complete antibiotics if given

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Failure to follow instructions may result in:

• Dry socket

• Infection

• Delayed healing

• Need for additional treatment