After your Tooth Extraction

Please understand that dental treatments and recommendations are customized for each patient. These recommendations are NOT a substitute for the dentist’s instructions but as a supplement. Not all of the recommendations will apply to everyone.

Bleeding: When you leave the office, you will be given verbal instructions regarding the control of postoperative bleeding. A gauze pad will be placed on the extraction site that you are asked to keep firm pressure on. Hold it firmly in place, by biting down on the gauze pad or use finger pressure, for about 60 minutes. Change this dressing after 1 hour a new piece of gauze.

Do not chew on the pack. Do not suck on the extraction site. It is normal for some blood to ooze from the area of surgery for up to 24 hours. If bleeding/oozing continues for more than 24 hours, contact Dr. Stella Oh

To prevent swelling, it may be necessary to apply an ice pack or a cold towel to the outside of your face in the area of the extraction during the first 12 to 24 hours. Apply alternately, 10-20 minutes on then 10-20 minutes off, for a 6 hour or longer if necessary.

Do not rinse, spit, suck on a candy or straw for 24 hours.This is important so as not to disturb the initial healing.

Smoking: Do not smoke or use tobacco for at least 72 hours after the surgery. Smoke can interfere with the healing process, promote bleeding and can cause a very painful situation know as “dry socket”. Smoking can also interfere with the bone growth that surrounds the socket resulting in slowing its process of filling in the socket.

Pain Managementis dictated by the doctor specifically for each patient at the time of surgery. Madison Avenue Dentists will make sure you’ll receive utmost care. If you have any questions, please call the office.