Dental Extractions Aftercare

Bite on gauze for 1½ hours to help protect the blood clot. If bleeding continues, replace with fresh gauze and bite for another hour. If needed, use a moistened tea bag and bite for an additional hour. Contact the office if bleeding persists.

Do not rinse your mouth or spit for the remainder of the day after the extraction.

Avoid smoking, using a straw, or sucking on mints or candy. Do not touch or pick at the surgical area.

Take prescribed medications as directed. For discomfort, you may take 3–4 tablets of Ibuprofen, Advil, or Nuprin every 4–6 hours (do not take on an empty stomach).

To reduce swelling, alternate ice and heat—10 minutes each per hour—for the first 24 hours. After 24 hours, continue with heat if needed (10 minutes per hour).

Be careful not to bite or chew your tongue or lip until the anesthetic has completely worn off.