If you have undergone a tooth extraction here at Falls Church Comprehensive Dentistry, please be sure to follow these guidelines from our dentists in Falls Church, Virginia:
Day 1
Gauze — Bite firmly on the gauze pack, putting pressure on the surgical area until you arrive home, then remove it gently.
Bleeding — Some blood may ooze from the area of surgery for the first 24 hours. This is a normal occurrence. However, if bleeding begins again, place a moist, room-temperature tea bag directly over the socket and bite firmly for 20 minutes.
(Bleeding may be prolonged if tea bag is not directly over the socket.)
Fluids — Do not spit, rinse or suck through a straw for the first 24 hours because this can promote bleeding. It is important, however, to drink a large volume of cool fluids.
Diet — A liquid/soft food diet with minimal chewing is recommended for the first 24 hours after surgery. Milkshakes, yogurt, soup and frequent liquids are suggested.
(Be careful when eating right after surgery. You may be numb for up to 6-8 hours.)
Medication — Start your medications as soon as possible. You must have food in your stomach when taking medication. Refer to the instructions on taking prescriptions.
Compress — Applying ice packs to the face, over the area of surgery for 20 minutes on and 20 off, for the first 48 hours will help control swelling. After 48 hours, a warm, moist compress is recommended. Swelling is normal and usually reaches its maximum approximately 3 to 4 days after surgery and then begins to subside.
After 24 Hours
Discomfort — Some discomfort is normal after surgery. If by the fourth or fifth day the pain has not subsided and cannot be controlled by pain medication, you might have a delayed healing. Call our office and report symptoms so that you can be seen as soon as possible by Dr. Rowhani or Dr. Hauptman.
Bruising — You may experience some bruising in the area of your surgery. This is normal and should disappear in 7 to 14 days.
Stiffness — After surgery, you may experience jaw muscle stiffness and a limited opening of your mouth. This is normal and should improve in 7 to 14 days. Regular doses of an anti-inflammatory medication and warm, moist compresses will help decrease jaw stiffness. Do not force your jaw open as this could increase the stiffness.
Stitches — Stitches may have been placed in your extraction area. They are either dissolvable or will be removed at your next post-op appointment.
Oral Hygiene — After bleeding subsides, gently brush your teeth, except for the area of extraction. Rinse gently and let water dribble out of your mouth. After 24 hours, gently brush your teeth, including the area of your surgery, and gently rinse as before. A warm saltwater rinse is recommended for one week after meals and at bedtime to promote the healing process. (1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz. of warm water).
You may be given an irrigating syringe at your appointment to help you keep the surgical site clean.
(Smoking during the first 2-4 weeks after surgery usually delays healing. It is not recommended.)
Call our office at 703-241-0666 if:
- You experience excessive discomfort that you cannot control with pain pills.
- You have bleeding that you cannot control by biting on tea bags.
- You have increased swelling after the third or fourth day following your surgery.
- You have a fever greater than 101°.
- You have any questions.
EMERGENCY CALLS TAKEN 24 HOURS