Care After an Oral Extraction

After a tooth extraction, it’s essential to maintain the blood clot that forms in the socket to promote healing and prevent complications like dry socket. To do this:

• Bite down on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately following the procedure.
• If bleeding persists, replace the gauze and bite down for another 30 minutes. Be sure to follow any additional instructions provided by your Tulsa oral surgeon to ensure proper healing.

Pain following an extraction can typically be managed with:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
• For more severe pain, your oral surgeon may prescribe pain medication to help you manage discomfort during the recovery period.

Signs of infection after a dental extraction include:

• Persistent or worsening pain.
• Swelling, redness, or discharge from the extraction site.
• Fever or feeling unwell.

If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your dentist or oral surgeon at Elite Oral Surgery in Tulsa immediately.

To manage swelling after your dental extraction:

• Apply an ice pack to the cheek outside the extraction area for 10 minutes on, followed by 20 minutes off.
• Repeat this process as needed during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort.

You can gently brush your teeth the night of the extraction, but take care to:

• Be gentle around the surgical site.
• Avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting, which can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.

Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the extraction site is prematurely dislodged, exposing the underlying bone and causing pain. To prevent dry socket:

• Avoid sucking actions like using a straw or smoking.
• Refrain from spitting forcefully after the extraction.
• Follow all post-extraction care instructions provided by your Tulsa oral surgeon.

Smoking is strongly discouraged after a dental extraction, as it can:

• Inhibit healing.
• Increase the risk of complications, such as dry socket. For optimal recovery, avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after the procedure.

The initial healing of the gum tissue typically takes about 3-4 weeks, but full healing of the bone may take up to 6 months. Your oral surgeon will guide you through each stage of the healing process to ensure successful recovery.

A follow-up visit with your dentist or oral surgeon is essential to:

• Monitor healing and check for signs of infection.
• Discuss further treatment options, such as dental implants or bridges to replace the extracted tooth.

After a dental extraction, it’s important to:

• Rest for the first 24 hours.
• Avoid strenuous activities for a few days to reduce the risk of bleeding and support proper healing.

If you experience intense pain, a bad odor, or an unusual taste in your mouth a few days after the extraction, you may have developed a dry socket. Contact Elite Oral Surgery in Tulsa immediately. Treatment typically involves cleaning the extraction site and placing a medicated dressing to promote healing.

You should avoid eating on the side of your mouth where the extraction occurred until your oral surgeon confirms that the area has sufficiently healed. Gradually reintroduce soft foods to the affected area as healing progresses.

You should avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours after a dental extraction. Alcohol can interfere with the healing process and reduce the effectiveness of prescribed medications.