Patient Information

It is our goal at the Precious Smile Dental & Orthodontics that your recovery be as smooth and comfortable as possible. By carefully following these instruction you will minimize any pain and swelling and lessen the chance for infection and complications.

Proper Home Care Instructions for Extractions

  • Apply pressure to the extraction site by biting firmly on a cotton gauze pad for about 20 minutes or longer to control the bleeding.
  • During the first 24 hours following an extraction:
    1. DO NOT SMOKE, SPIT, OR SUCK THROUGH A DRINKING STRAW
    2. DO NOT DRINK ANY ALCOHOLIC OR CARBONATED BEVERAGES
    3. DO NOT DISTURB THE EXTRACTION SITE IN ANY MANNER
    4. DO NOT USE MOUTH RINSE
  • Refrain from any strenuous activity today.
  • Swelling on the treatment side of the face may occur. To reduce the possibility of swelling, an ice pack should be placed against the face for 30 minutes on, 30 minutes off, for the first 12 hours.
  • There may be slight bleeding for several hours. If bleeding begins again, place a small damp gauze pack directly over the tooth socket and bite firmly for 30 minutes.
  • You may experience pain for some time following the extraction. If so, you may take the prescribed medication or an over-the-counter pain medication. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSAGE.
  • During the first 24 hours you should have either a liquid or semi-soft cold diet. Chewing should only be done on the side opposite the extraction site until the tenderness had subsided.
  • Do not brush your teeth the day of the surgery. Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water. You may brush your teeth gently but avoid the area of surgery the next day.
  • If the sutures have been placed, they will resorb by themselves after 2-3 days.
  • You may experience some mild bruising in the area of surgery. This is a normal response in some persons and should not be a cause for alarm. It will disappear in 7 to 14 days.
  • After surgery you may experience jaw muscle stiffness and limited opening of your mouth. This is normal and will improve in 5 to 14 days.

Please contact our office if you have any additional questions or concerns.  However, please call immediately if you are experiencing any of the following:

  • You experience excessive discomfort that you cannot control with pain pills.
  • You have bleeding that you cannot control by biting in gauze.
  • You have increased swelling after the 3rd day following your surgery.
  • You feel that you have a fever.