Routine Extraction

Post-Operative Instructions Following Routine Extraction

Instructions and answers to common questions you may have following an extraction are located below. Contact the office at 604-882-0887 if you have any concerns.

FIRST 24 HOURS Bite on gauze for 60 minutes. If significant bleeding is still present, take several 2X2 gauzes (fold in half and half again) and place over extraction socket.Bite down for a further 60 minutes. Your bottom and top teeth should not be in contact to ensure the pressure is on the extraction site. Keep fingers and tongue away from the area. Do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours, although it is permissible to drink cool or lukewarm liquids. You may gently swirl water around your mouth to get rid any bad taste, but do not direct it at the wound. Smoking should be avoided for 24 hours. Starting tomorrow, rinse your mouth frequently with a solution of a ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Continue the rinses for a few days.
Pain Pain and swelling should subside more and more each day, following the surgery. Take prescribed medications as directed. Following the prescribed schedule will minimize your discomfort and swelling.You may also take Extra Strength Tylenol (acetaminophen 500 mg) every four hours. Tylenol works in a different manner than Ibuprofen (complementing it) so you can consume both medications at the same time. DO NOT EXCEED THE MANUFACTURERS DOSAGE RECOMMENDATIONS. ACETOMINOPHEN IN AMOUNTS GREATER THAN 4 GRAMS (8 TABLETS) WILL DAMAGE YOUR LIVER. If these medications do not control your pain, or if swelling worsens, call the office for instructions (604-882-0887).
Diet Cold or lukewarm liquids may be taken for the first four to six hours. Such liquids include milkshake, smoothies, Ensure, Boost, instant breakfast drinks, fruit juices and warm soup.a. Avoid hot liquids for the first several hours, but cold liquids are encouraged. Soft foods should be eaten in the first five to seven days, and chewing should be done on the opposite side. Use your comfort as a guide.
Bleeding It is normal for saliva to be streaked with blood for a day. If bleeding is persists, follow the instructions under the First 24 Hours.
Swelling and Discolouration Swelling and discolouration is to be expected in certain areas. The amount is dependent on the severity of the surgery to remove the tooth and your individual response to surgery. The maximum amount of swelling and discolouration will appear two days after surgery and will slowly disappear gradually. There is no cause for concern. Ice placed on the face, in the area of the extraction, for the first four to six hours (20 minutes on; 20 minutes off) will be helpful. If there is significant swelling, apply moist heat starting 36 hours after the surgery.
Sutures (Stitches) If sutures are used, you will have been advised if they are dissolving or non-dissolving. Dissolving sutures will fall out on their own. Otherwise, you will be asked to visit the office for your stitches to be removed. There is no discomfort. If sutures come out, don’t worry. Simply remove them from your mouth and discard them.
Dry Socket If the pain starts getting worse after three days, and is not controlled by medication, you may be developing a “dry socket”. This is where the clot in the wound breaks down leaving a denuded tooth socket. Dry socket is painful. Pain radiates to the ear and the temple on the affected side. It is more common with lower extractions than upper. It is often also associated with an odour and a bad taste in the mouth. If you think you have developed a dry socket, call Dr. Stroup or Dr. Stelting at: 604-882-0887.