Post-Op Instructions: Tooth Extractions

First 24 Hours

✅ Bite on gauze: Keep firm pressure on the gauze pad for 30–45 minutes after leaving the office. If bleeding continues, replace with a new piece and bite firmly for another 30–45 minutes.
✅ Do not disturb the area: Avoid touching, poking, or rinsing vigorously.
✅ Bleeding: Some oozing is normal. If heavy bleeding persists, dampen a tea bag (contains tannic acid, which helps clotting) and bite gently for 30 minutes.
✅ Rest: Limit physical activity and keep your head slightly elevated.
✅ Ice: Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, to reduce swelling.

Eating & Drinking

    • Stick to soft, cool foods (yogurt, smoothies, soup, eggs, mashed potatoes).
    • Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard foods for the first 48 hours.
    • Do not use a straw, spit forcefully, or smoke—this can dislodge the clot and cause “dry socket.”
    • Drink plenty of fluids.

Oral Hygiene

    • Do not brush the extraction site for the first 24 hours.
    • After 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz warm water) 3–4 times per day, especially after meals.
    • Continue normal brushing and flossing away from the extraction site.

Pain & Medications

    • Take over-the-counter pain medications as directed.
    • If antibiotics are prescribed, take the full course, even if you feel better.
    • Mild swelling, discomfort, and bruising are normal.

Healing Expectations

    • Gum tenderness, mild bleeding, and slight bruising may occur.
    • Stitches (if placed) may dissolve on their own or be removed at your follow-up visit.
    • It is common for soreness/ pain to return ~3 days after an extraction as the bone begins the process of turning over. 

Call Us If You Notice:

 ❌ Severe pain not relieved by medication
 ❌ Excessive bleeding that won’t stop
 ❌ Fever, chills, or signs of infection
 ❌ Swelling that worsens after 3 days
 ❌ Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Call Lowcountry Family Dentistry

If you have any concerns, please call our office at (843-651-6776) If it’s after hours and you experience an emergency, please go to the nearest urgent care or emergency room.