After a tooth extraction or implant placement, it is important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process — that’s why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30 to 45 minutes after surgery. If bleeding or oozing continues after you remove the gauze pad, place another sterile gauze pad and bite firmly for another thirty minutes. Continue this cycle as needed, however contact us immediately if bleeding is profuse,or more than slight. After the blood clot forms, it is important to protect it, especially for the next 24 hours. So, for the next 24 hours; DON’T: smoke, suck through a straw, rinse vigorously or spit. These activities will dislodge the clot, possibly causing bleeding to recur and slow down the healing process. Limit yourself to calm activities for the first 24 hours, this keeps your blood pressure lower, which reduces bleeding and helps the healing process. You may feel some pain and have some swelling.You can use an ice bag for the first few hours to keep this to a minimum. The swelling, if any, usually starts to go down after 48 hours. Use pain medications only as directed and call us at (585) 461-4350 if it does not seem to be working. After hours,contact your doctor at the emergency number provided following your surgery. If antibiotics have been prescribed for you, continue to take them for the prescribed length of time,even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat only soft nutritious foods on the day of the surgery. Don’t use alcoholic beverages and avoid hot and spicy foods. You can begin eating normally the next day or as soon thereafter as it is comfortable.
For the first 24 hours, take care when cleaning the teeth next to the extraction or implant site. Carefully follow the post operative instructions provided to you and call should you have any questions. It is very important to resume your normal dental hygiene routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing your teeth and tongue a few times a day and flossing at least once a day. This speeds healing and helps keep your breath and mouth fresh. After 24 hours, begin gently rinsing your mouth with saltwater or mouthwash three times a day. Also rinse gently after meals to keep food out of the extraction or implant site, oruse the syringe if one was provided to you. CALL US RIGHT AWAY if you have heavy bleeding, bleeding that won’t stop, severe pain,continued swelling after two or three days, or a reaction to any medication, including nausea.
