Post-Extraction Instructions

Autumn Family Dentistry

Bite firmly on moistened, folded gauze placed over the extraction site.
Change gauze every 30 minutes (or sooner if soaked) until bleeding slows (usually within a few hours).
For heavier bleeding, bite on a moistened tea bag for 30–60 minutes.
Slight bleeding or “oozing” is normal for 24–48 hours.
Blood mixed with saliva may appear excessive—this is usually normal.

Do NOT rinse or spit forcefully for the first 24 hours.
After 24 hours:
- Begin gentle warm saltwater rinses:
  1 tsp salt + 1 cup warm water
- Rinse after meals and before bed (4–5×/day)
- Continue for 1–2 weeks
Brush and floss other teeth normally, but avoid the extraction site.

Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activity for 24 hours.
For at least 3 days, avoid:
- Smoking or vaping
- Straws
- Forceful spitting
- Alcohol
- Carbonated drinks
If upper teeth were removed:
- Do NOT blow your nose forcefully for 7 days
- Sneeze with your mouth open

Follow all instructions carefully.
Increased pain around days 3–5 (especially severe, radiating pain) may indicate dry socket.
Call our office if symptoms occur—treatment may require follow-up visits.

First 1–2 days: soft, cool foods such as:
- Yogurt, pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes, smoothies (no straw), eggs, pasta
Avoid hot foods/drinks for 24 hours
Gradually return to normal diet as tolerated
Avoid hard/crunchy foods (chips, nuts, cereal) until healed

Day 1: Ice packs: 20 minutes on / 20 minutes off for first 24 hours (while awake)
Day 3: Switch to warm compresses if needed for jaw pain or muscle stiffness
Swelling peaks around days 2–3, then improves
Jaw soreness, stiffness, and limited opening are normal for a few days

Take first dose before numbness wears off:
- Ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin): 400–600 mg
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol): 500–1000 mg
May alternate every 3–4 hours as needed (unless otherwise directed)
Do not exceed daily maximum doses (3200 mg ibuprofen / 3000–4000 mg acetaminophen)
If prescribed antibiotics:
- Complete the full course
Avoid driving or operating machinery if taking sedating medications
Continue regular medications unless instructed otherwise