Tooth Extraction Post Operation

Post-Op Tips

1. Numb for approximately 2-3 hours after the procedure
2. Gauze in place for 60 min while biting down – replace as needed
3. Swelling peaks at 48-72 hours (Usually pain peaks at this same time)
   • Ice packs help a LOT!
4. Pain management:
   • Mix of Tylenol and Ibuprofen
5. Stitches
   • Usually last 7-14 days, they will dissolve naturally
6. Diet:
   • Start by eating soft, non-chewing necessary foods such as applesauce, yogurt/pudding or ice cream
   • Progress to soft foods like cottage cheese, cooked potatoes or tuna.
   • Don’t try to open wide or aggressively bite into food for the first week
   • By the end of week two, your diet should be normalized and you should be able to open fully
7. Irrigate the Sockets if you have any food caught in them – we will give you a plastic irrigation syringe
8. Avoid the 4 S’s:
   1. NO sucking through straws
   2. NO spitting
   3. NO swishing vigorously
   4. NO smoking
9. Watch out for infection
   • Possibly associated with heat, swelling, pus, bad taste
   • This will usually show up around two weeks post-surgery
10. Lay Low for 2-3 days
    • You should focus on resting and recovering following surgery
    • Don’t do strenuous activity
    • Lay down with your head slightly elevated, or sit in a comfy chair
    • Pick a TV series and binge-watch that!
    • Slowly return to normal activity around three days post-surgery