Tooth Care
After oral surgery, our staff will provide you with specific instructions for tooth care. Please follow the instructions provided during your office visit. For reference, the following are some of the basic steps in tooth care after dental implant surgery and extraction.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Once a tooth has been removed, we want the healing process to start with formation of a blood clot. After the extraction, your doctor may ask that you bite firmly on a gauze pad for about 30 minutes. When the clot has formed, it should not be disturbed.
To prevent dissolution of the clot:
- Do not rinse your mouth vigorously
- Do not suck on a straw or smoke
- Do not consume alcohol
- Do not brush the teeth next to the affected area
- Limit your physical activity
Swelling is common, and a normal reaction to the operation. The level of swelling should peak after 2 or 3 days. Until then, you can minimize swelling with application of an ice pack on the affected area(s). Ice pack should only be applied for the first 24 hours. You can use plastic bags filled with ice or frozen vegetables.
Prescribed medications (antibiotics and pain relievers) should be taken as instructed. Take antibiotics as instructed to help prevent infection. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken every few hours, while prescription pain medications can be taken for severe pain. Beware of drug interactions, adverse effects of alcohol and the need to avoid driving under the influence of medication. Your surgeon may also prescribe a special mouth rinse, which is used twice daily.
On the day of surgery, do not rinse your mouth. You may be able to perform a gentle rinse the day following surgery. Brush your teeth very gently until you are comfortable enough to return to a normal routine of oral hygiene. Eat soft foods during the initial aftercare period, and then gradually return to your normal diet.Dental Implants Aftercare
After dental implant surgery, you will need to avoid disturbance of the wound and limit physical activity. Do not touch the wound, spit or vigorously rinse your mouth.
Expect some bleeding for the first 24 hours. In a case of excessive bleeding, you may be instructed to bite on a gauze pad. If the bleeding does not cease, please call us for further instruction.
Swelling is common, and a normal reaction to the operation. The level of swelling should peak after 2 or 3 days. Until then, you can minimize swelling with application of an ice pack on the affected area(s). Ice pack should only be applied for the first 24 hours. You can use plastic bags filled with ice or frozen vegetables.
Prescribed medications (antibiotics and pain relievers) should be taken as instructed. Take antibiotics as instructed to help prevent infection. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken every few hours, while prescription pain medications can be taken for severe pain. Beware of drug interactions, adverse effects of alcohol and the need to avoid driving under the influence of medication. Your surgeon may also prescribe a special mouth rinse, which is used twice daily.
For More Information
If you are concerned about aftercare steps or if you are experiencing unusual symptoms, please call our office at 916-419-4588.