Post-Op Instructions for Tooth Extractions in Cincinnati, OH

After a tooth extraction, the first few days play an important role in healing. At Queen City Oral Surgery, our oral surgeon and team want you to know that light bleeding, swelling and soreness are common after surgery. Careful home care can help protect the blood clot, reduce discomfort and support a smoother recovery.

Bleeding and Blood Clot Care

A small amount of bleeding or pink saliva may continue for the first 24 to 48 hours. Once you are home, remove the gauze unless you were told otherwise. If bleeding continues, place a clean piece of gauze directly over the extraction site and bite down with firm pressure for about 20 minutes. The gauze should be thick enough to keep your upper and lower teeth apart while you bite.

If bleeding does not improve, check the area for a dark, jelly-like clot that has shifted out of place. If instructed, gently wipe it away with dry gauze and place fresh gauze over the site again. Do not rinse your mouth right away because that can disturb the clot and restart bleeding.

Swelling, Hygiene and Daily Care

Swelling is normal after an extraction and often becomes worse during the first 24 to 48 hours before it starts to improve. You may also notice some bruising on the face or neck during the days that follow. Please follow these directions:

• Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for 20 minutes each hour during the first 36 hours.
• After 36 hours, warm compresses may help improve comfort.
• Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, rinse gently after meals with warm salt water or diluted mouthwash for up to two weeks.
• Continue brushing and flossing your other teeth, but avoid the surgical area for about one week.
• Do not smoke during the first four days because smoking can delay healing.

Food, Activity and Medications

Eat soft, bland foods that are cool or room temperature during the first day. Avoid hot, spicy, hard or crunchy foods at first. Do not drink through a straw for 48 hours and avoid alcohol for 48 hours as well. For a single extraction, limit exercise for the next 24 hours. If you had multiple extractions or wisdom teeth removed, normal activity may take several days to resume. Take medications exactly as directed. Some pain medicines can slow reflexes, so do not drive, operate machinery or make important decisions while taking them. If you were given an antibiotic, finish the full prescription unless told otherwise.

When to Call the Office

A mild fever can happen after surgery and is not always a cause for concern. However, please contact Dr. V. Russell Boudreau Jr., Dr. Scott L. Thatcher, or Dr. Jaspreet Singh if you have unusual pain, swelling or bleeding or if healing does not seem to be improving. Contact us with any questions or concerns. Our oral surgeon and team are here to help you recover as comfortably as possible.