Home Care Following Tooth Extractions
- Keep moist gauze firmly in place for 30 minutes following extractions.
- If bleeding persists, wet some new gauze and bite down firmly on it for another 30 minutes (can use a wet teabag instead of gauze) Seeping over the first day or two is normal.
- If sutures have been placed, they will dissolve on their own in 2 – 5 days.
- Don’t brush around the extraction area the first day, just leave it alone.
- Do not drink from a straw for the first 48 hours; this can cause the blood clot to dislodge.
- On the second day, you can start to rinse with warm water and salt (1/2 tsp salt in a cup of warm water)
- If food or debris gets in the extraction site, rinse with warm salt water. If this does not remove it, leave it. Your body will take care of it as it heals.
- Some bruising and/or swelling is normal. A cold pack can be used for the swelling if needed, 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.
- It is very important to be gentle with the area. A blood clot will form in the extraction site and it is important for that to remain there. If dislodged, then bone is exposed in your mouth (dry socket). If this occurs, it will usually still heal but it may be quite sore for several days.
- Eat what you feel comfortable with. You may need to eat softer foods for a few days.
- You can use any regular home pain medication if needed (Tylenol or Advil). Aspirin is not recommended following extractions due to its effects on bleeding.
If any problems occur, please contact our office at (902) 894-9232.