After a tooth extraction, a blood clot must form in the socket to help control bleeding and support the healing process. A dissolvable material may have been placed in the extraction site to help with clotting. Please bite down firmly on the gauze pad for one to two hours after your procedure.

You will be given extra gauze to use at home if bleeding continues. To use it, roll the gauze into a ball large enough to cover the extraction area. Place it gently over the site and apply steady pressure by biting down or pressing with your finger. Keep it in place for about two hours, changing the gauze every 30 minutes until the bleeding is under control.

Once the clot has formed, it is very important to protect it, especially during the first 24 hours. During this time, please avoid:

  • Smoking
  • Drinking through a straw
  • Rinsing forcefully
  • Brushing near the extraction area
  • Strenuous exercise

Limiting activity during the first day can help keep your blood pressure lower, which may reduce bleeding from the extraction site.

To help manage swelling, apply an ice pack or a sealed bag with ice and water to the cheek near the treated area. Use it for 20 minutes, then remove it for 20 minutes. This is most helpful during the first 12 hours after the extraction. Swelling should begin to improve within 72 hours.

If you were prescribed antibiotics, take them exactly as directed and finish the full course, even if symptoms improve before the medication is gone.

After the first 24 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water three times per day. Mix one teaspoon of salt into one cup of warm water, then rinse, swish and spit gently. Rinsing after meals can help keep food from collecting in the extraction site.

Drink plenty of fluids and choose soft foods while you heal. Chew on the opposite side of your mouth from the extraction site. Avoid alcohol and hot or spicy foods until you are comfortable. You may return to your normal diet as your comfort allows.

For discomfort, you may take an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen or Tylenol, if you are medically able to do so. Follow the recommended dosage or any instructions provided by our team.

Stitches may have been placed to help reduce bleeding and encourage healing. These stitches may dissolve on their own or may need to be removed during a follow-up visit.

Please contact the office right away if you have heavy bleeding that does not stop, severe pain, swelling that continues after two to three days or a reaction to any prescribed medication.

Call us at 804-417-0050 if you have any questions about your root canal treatment in Mechanicsville, Virginia, at Elrod & Dunham Dentistry. Dr. Joseph Elrod and associates will be happy to help you with your dental recovery.