After Tooth Extraction
Home Care Instructions After Tooth Removal
Forming a Blood Clot
After tooth extraction, it’s 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 20-30 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 20 minutes. You may have to do this 2-3 times.
After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol, drink hot liquids, or brush the area overlying the extraction sites. It is recommended that you avoid all of these activities for 48 hours after surgery. These activities can dislodge or dissolve the clot and prolong the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 72 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.
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Pain & Swelling
After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 2-3 days.
Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.
Oral Hygiene
It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.
After 5-7 days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at Tacoma Office Phone Number 253-473-0651 for our Tacoma Office and Puyallup Office Phone Number 253-799-1525 for our Puyallup Office.
Evergreen Oral Surgery
Patient Testimonial By Pat L
Everyone was so friendly, and very efficient as well. Great after care instructions and a nice call the next day. The doctor let me go with the anesthesia plan I was familiar with from a previous oral surgeon and it worked out great. An extraction is never fun, but they made it the best experience it could be! Very impressed with this office.
- Pat L
Patient Testimonial By Sandi M
After two unsuccesful attempts to extract a tooth at my regular dental office and weeks of pain and suffering, Evergreen took me in within a few days of being referred, took amazing care of me and finished the job of getting the roots out of my jaw bone. I have extreme dental anxiety and they made me feel safe, comfortable and it was over and done. They have followed through with checkup calls and texts. I wod recommend Dr. Wightman to anyone and would go to him again for oral surgery of any kind.
- Sandi M
Patient Testimonial By Dawn R
Had to have roots extracted from a tooth that fell out over a year ago. Thought it would be painful. But as I told the receptionist, it was the best Dental Procedure that I had ever had. Dr. Weighton was extremely knowledgeable, professional & patient friendly. No pain, when he inserted the "knock out" needle. In addition, his staff was extremely helpful & caring. Not the usual "bad attitude" or uncaring types, who sound like they can hardly wait to get u off the phone. Best dental experience ever
- Dawn R
Patient Testimonial By Richard W
Had hope 1st appointment would be tooth removal. Only the company owner was upset because it took two appointments.
- Richard W
Patient Testimonial By Robin H
Thank you for offering gas since I couldn't be sedated! It made all the difference!
- Robin H