Things to Expect and Do:

Some bleeding after an extraction is to be expected, especially during the first 24 hours. You can control and slow the bleeding by placing gauze in the area and applying firm pressure to the gauze by biting down on it. Replace the gauze every 15 minutes as needed or when the gauze becomes saturated with blood. Do not remove gauze while it is dry. This can dislodge the blood clot necessary for healing and cause a dry socket. A little bit of blood and a little bit of saliva can look like a lot of blood. If you are concerned you are experiencing abnormal bleeding, please contact the office. If you can not reach the office or the Doctor after hours and the bleeding can not be stopped hours after extraction, please contact the local ER.

Swelling and/or discomfort will likely be experienced following oral surgery procedures. Swelling and/or discomfort tends to peak about 72 hrs after an extraction and tends to diminish after that with passing of time. If your pain is not improving and/or getting getting worse after 72 hrs from the extraction, please call our office for the need for re-evaluation and/or follow up. 
Current research shows that the best way to treat post-operative discomfort and swelling following an extraction is to take 2 tablets of 200mg ibuprofen (commonly known as Advil) and 1 tablet of 500mg acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol) by mouth every 4 hours as needed. It is important to only take these three pills together as needed by mouth every four hours. It is equally important to not take a higher dosage of these pills or to take them more frequently than every four hours. By exceeding these recommendations of dosage, frequency, and/or duration of taking these medications you will risk putting yourself over the maximum 24 daily dosage. Doing this can result in damage to your organs. Only take ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen if you know your medical history does NOT contraindicate you from taking these medications. If you have any doubt about whether or not you are able to take these medications, you should contact your physician to see if you are able to do so. If you are unable to take ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen, take what you would typically take to relieve a headache to treat your root canal post-operative pain or consult with your physician and/or dentist about alternatives. It is best to start taking any pain medications while you are still numb, as pain responds better to proactive treatment than reactive treatment. Please continue with any other medications as prescribed, unless instructed otherwise by your physician or dentist. Be sure to notify the office of any problems that may rise from any medications.
Applying ice to the treated area can be a good supplement to any medications you are taking to treat the painful and/or swollen area. If you chose to ice the area, it is best to ice the area while you’re still numb immediately after your appointment. Apply ice packs for 15 minute increments. After the ice has been in the area for 15 minutes, give the treated area a 15 minute break before reapplying ice to the area for another 15 minutes. Repeat this process as needed. Do not apply the ice pack directly to your skin. Use of something like a paper towel to prevent skin irritation works well. 
Starting the day after your extraction, if your gums are sore, you can use a warm salt water rinse up to 4 times a day to help provide your gums relief. Do this by using one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Gently swish the salt water in the area and then tilt your head over a sink to let gravity drain the water out from your mouth. Gentle swishing and not spitting is necessary to prevent dislodging the blood clot, as that can cause a dry socket. 
You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold. This is temporary. Please continue to brush and floss your teeth, but do so gently around your extraction site. You should soften your toothbrush with water before brushing your teeth.
It is best to elevate your pillow slightly while sleeping to reduce bleeding and inflammation while you sleep within the first 72 hours of completion of the extraction.
If stitches were placed we will let you know if a follow up appointment is required to remove them. A follow up appointment for stitch removal is typically only made/needed if vinyl sutures were placed to retain a bone graft. If you did not receive a bone graft but had stitches placed, you likely had resorbable stitches placed, meaning that a portion of the stitch will dissolve and another portion of the stitch will fall out. Do not be alarmed if a resorbable stitch falls out, as their purpose is to simply pull the gums closer together initially so your body doesn’t have a larger hole to heal.

Extraction Blood Clotting and Dry Sockets:

After your tooth is extracted, your body will create a blood clot to close the wound. The blood clot is the body’s natural "band-aid" to cover the extraction site. Dislodging the blood clot exposes the bone causing a dry socket. A dry socket is often the most painful complication of a dry socket. Symptoms of a dry socket include bad breath, a slight fever, an unpleasant tase in your mouth, and/or severe persistent, throbbing pain within 2 to 4 days of the tooth extraction. The pain may pain extend to your ear and/or eye on the same side of the face. Please notify the office if you believe you have a dry socket. This complication requires treatment.


Things to avoid: (Should be avoided for at least 3 days. The majority of your initial healing will be completed within two weeks. Avoiding the below things for two weeks will help promote ideal healing.)