If you've had a tooth extracted, proper aftercare is important. Your most important task will be to care for the blood clot that forms in the socket your tooth left behind. Keeping the clot intact helps prevent infection and is imperative to your recovery.
During the first 24 hours after your procedure, continued low-level bleeding is completely normal. After this point, the bleeding should have stopped; if it has not, contact our office. Expect to be resting for the first day after the extraction and to regularly change your gauze after a clot has formed. Avoid rinsing, spitting, smoking, or using straws to keep the clot intact and take any medications that the dentist recommends.
After the clot has formed, you'll want to regularly rinse your mouth with a warm saline solution to kill bacteria in the mouth and prevent infection; you may brush and floss as normal, but continue your rinsing routine and eat soft foods that don't require heavy chewing for another three to ten days.
Our office can help you further understand what to expect during and after a tooth extraction. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have.
A tooth extraction is not something you look forward to having done, but sometimes it is necessary. Dr. Blake had extensive hospital training in oral surgery during his residency, making him a dentist you can trust to complete your tooth extraction in Hamburg, Blasdell, Cheektowaga, Eden, Lakeview, Orchard Park, and Springville, NY.
Dr. Blake had extensive hospital training in oral surgery during his residency. Please schedule an appointment today to further assess your situation.