How long to keep cotton wool in after tooth extraction

POST-OPERATIVE CARE AFTER TOOTH EXTRACTION

1. 1.Continue to bite on two pieces of folded gauze at the extraction site.  Initially you have to change the gauze every 5-10 minutes. As bleeding slows down , you don’t have to change the gauze as often.  If you run out of gauze supplies, use a tea bag instead.  Place the tea bag in the hot water to sterilize it , then remove it and wait until it is cold.  Place the tea bag over the extraction site and gently bite.
   

1. 2.Keep fingers and other object away from the extraction site.
   

1. 3.Do not rinse out your mouth or spit today as that may cause more bleeding (7-8 hours).
   

1. 4.Keep ice pack, frozen gel-pack, or a frozen bag of peas on your face close to the extraction site intermittently. Place it for 20 minutes, then remove it for 20 minutes, this way the blood supply to the area will not be cut out.
   

1. 5.Avoid drinking hot beverage, and hot food (coffee, tea, soup) at least until the bleeding completely stopped. Let the beverage/food cool before eating today. On the day of surgery most people find cool soft foods (ice cream, yogurt) soothing.
   

1. 6.Cold or lukewarm liquids may be taken for the first 4-6 hours. After this any soft food is permissible. Avoid food with sharp edges such as chips, crackers, and toast for the next week.
   

1. 7.Avoid smoking for at least 12 hours.  Be aware that smoking after 12 hours also may increase the chance of infection and bleeding.
   

1. 8.Start tomorrow, rinse your mouth frequently with a solution of 1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Continue to rinse for a few days. 
   

1. 9.An irrigation syringe will be given to all patients to irrigate the extraction site thoroughly.  Place the plastic tip of the syringe gently at the extraction site and press the plunger to irrigate the wound free of food debris and bacteria.
   

1. 10.Some patients will be given a prescription-strength mouth rinse.  It should be use twice a day in addition to the saltwater.
   

1. 11. It is normal for the saliva to be streaked with blood for a day.  If frank bleeding is present, fold sterile gauze into a firm wad or use a lukewarm tea bag and place it directly on the bleeding area.  Maintain firm pressure by biting for 20 minutes.  The tannic acid in tea has a clotting effect.
   

1. 12. Swelling and discolouration is to be expected in certain areas, usually reaching its maximum two days after surgery.  It will disappear gradually and is no cause for concern. Intermittent use of ice pads  can reduce the chance of swelling.
   

1. 13. If you have been given a prescription for antibiotics you will need to complete the entire course of medication that has been prescribed to minimize the chance for Infection.
   

1. 14. Start pain relievers BEFORE your anesthesia wears off. Unless otherwise specified, start with Ibuprofen 400 mg (two 200 mg tablets) every 4-6 hours for adults.  Follow the appropriate instructions, if a prescription strength pain reliever is given.
   

1. 15. Avoid drinking alcohol or driving if taking prescription pain medication.
   

1. 16. The next day after extraction begin gentle rinsing with the prescription rinse, if given two times per day (after breakfast, and before bedtime) as directed on the bottle. You also should continue to rinse with warm salt water (1/2 tsp. salt to 8oz. glass of water) between the prescription rinses for the next two weeks.
   

1. 17.Avoid vigorous exercise and excessive talking for the next 3 days.
   

1. 18. If stitches are used, most may not dissolve on their own and must be removed at your follow-up appointment. Never pull at loose stitches or attempt to remove them yourself.
   

1. 19. Most post-surgical pain is Improving by the third day. If pain or swelling is increasing on the fourth day or later after the surgery, call the office (604-985-7032) to speak with our staff or with Dr. Chehroudi.  You may have to come in for a follow up visit ASAP.
   

Aftercare Instructions Following Tooth Removal – Tooth Extraction Care

Occasionally, a tooth may become so damaged from injury, illness, infection, or decay that it must be extracted.  Additionally, adult teeth may be overcrowded and tooth removal is a necessary part of the alignment process. At Fioritto Family Dental, our experienced dentists are qualified to safely pull teeth and deliver the aftercare you need to recover and regain health, function, and a beautiful smile. To avoid complications that could compromise your recovery, it’s important to follow all tooth extraction care instructions.

Extraction

When an adult tooth is extracted, it’s natural for the socket to bleed, even if stitches are in place.  Our dental support staff will provide you with gauze pads and instruct you to gently place them onto the socket to absorb the drainage, staunch any bleeding and promote clotting.

Typically, you’ll want to leave gauze in place for 3-4 hours following your tooth extraction, changing it out as necessary. To promote clotting, we recommend patients avoid rinsing, smoking, and drinking through a straw for 24 hours.

Following your extraction, you will be prescribed painkillers to ease any discomfort.  Many patients do not require more than acetaminophen, while other patients may require stronger medication. To help with pain and swelling, ice can be applied to the side of your face in ten-minute intervals.

Finally, make sure to get plenty of rest.  Plan to rest for at least 24 hours after extraction and take it easy for a couple of days thereafter.  Prop your head up on pillows when resting to minimize bleeding.

After the First Day

After the initial 24-hour healing period, you can gradually resume normal activities.  You can gently rinse your mouth with a salt water solution (8 oz. warm water, ½ tsp. salt) and brush and floss normally, being careful to avoid the open socket.

You’ll want to stick to soft foods for a few days, such as Jell-O, soup, pudding, yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and so on.  As your socket heals, you can resume a normal diet, but avoid hard foods that might injure your socket and impede healing, at least until you’re fully recovered.

The recovery period is typically just a few days, although it could take up to two weeks to fully heal from extraction.  If you have unusual symptoms that could be a sign of infection or something more serious, you should contact our office immediately.  Symptoms could include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Redness and swelling
• Excessive discharge
• Cough, trouble breathing, or chest pain

Once you are fully healed, you can discuss tooth replacement options with our dentists to restore your smile and avoid shifting of other teeth.  Contact Fioritto Family Dental today at 440-951-5511 or online to schedule your appointment.

Post-Operative Instructions Following An Extraction – Tooth Extraction Care

Rest:

• Rest quietly with your head elevated for the remainder of the day.
• Always get up slowly from a reclined position to prevent dizziness
• Limit physical activity for the first 24 hours and avoid excessive exertion for the first 72 hours.
• Healing will occur much faster with rest!

Swelling and Bruising:

• Some swelling often occurs and this is normal in the healing process.
• However, if swelling seems excessive and is accompanied by fever or severe pain, please call immediately.

• Use an ice pack for the first day following surgery. This will contribute to your comfort and minimize swelling. Place an ice pack on your face over the surgical area; 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
• Moist heat may be applied the day following surgery for added comfort.

 Medication:

• You should begin taking your pain medication before the numbness wears off
• If an antibiotic was prescribed, take it as directed until it is ALL GONE. It is recommended to take an over-the-counter probiotic when taking antibiotics.
• Some pain medications may cause lightheadedness.  Lying down will help this.
• Some medications may cause an upset stomach.  Taking these with food will lessen this side effect.

Bleeding:

• Red saliva is expected for the first 24 hours, however extensive bleeding should not occur. If such bleeding should occur, apply firm pressure with a moist gauze or moist teabag to the area for 20 minutes. If the bleeding does not subside, please call.

Mouth Care:

• AVOID RINSING, SPITTING OR SUCKING THROUGH A STRAW for 3 days after surgery. Blood is clotting and this will disturb the healing process.
• You may begin gentle rinsing 3 days after surgery, but do not rinse vigorously for 7 days.
• Do not rinse with an over-the-counter mouthwash for 7 days
• You may begin to brush the NON-SURGICAL areas the day of surgery

Eating:

• Eat softer foods for the first week such as pasta, eggs, fish, yogurt, soup, pudding and soft cooked vegetables.
• For the first few days, avoid extremes: very hot, very cold or acidic/spicy foods.
• Do not eat hard crunchy foods such as popcorn, small seeds (like in strawberries, sesame, and poppy), nuts or chips for the first week after surgery.
• Maintain a balanced diet.

Smoking:

• We strongly advise NOT SMOKING after surgery. Smoking delays the healing, increases discomfort, and may encourage bleeding and infection in the surgical site.

If you have any questions or concerns please call us (440)951-5511.

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