Following a tooth extraction, we will ask you to bite down on a gauze pad for 45 minutes, which helps a blood clot form. If bleeding persists, you may be able to control it by placing fresh gauze over the areas and biting on the gauze for 30-45 minutes at a time. It is best to moisten the gauze with tap water and loosely fluff for more comfortable positioning. If bleeding continues, repeat this step, or try biting down on a moist tea bag (soaked in water, squeezed damp and wrapped in a moist gauze) for 20 or 30 minutes. You may need to do this multiple times to get a clot to form.
Following the formation of a blood clot, it is essential not to disturb it. Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or forcefully using a straw for at least 72 hours. Be gentle when brushing near the extraction site, and limit exercise or strenuous physical activity for 24 hours.
You can expect pain and swelling for the first 72 hours. You can manage these symptoms with ice packs and pain medications recommended or prescribed by your surgeon.
On the extraction day, drink plenty of fluids and stick to soft foods. Advance to a more normal diet as soon as you feel able to do so.
Within 24 hours, resume your everyday oral hygiene habits, including brushing and flossing.
