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Post-operative instructions

Extractions

After tooth extraction

Bleeding

  • Bite on a compress or tea bag to change every 30 minutes.

  • Put a towel over your pillow so you don't stain it if the bleeding continues.

  • Avoid doing strenuous work or exercise the first time  daytime.

To avoid

  • Do not smoke or drink alcohol for 2 days.

  • Do not use a mouthwash with alcohol for 2 weeks.

  • Avoid rinsing, spitting and drinking through a straw the 1st  day so as not to dislodge the blood clot.

Food

  • Do not eat foods that are too hot or spicy on the 1st day. (including coffees)

  • Avoid small seeds and broccoli that could get lodged in the blister. (extraction site)

  • Eating foods rich in protein and vitamin C is recommended.

  • Eat soft foods at the start if necessary.

To help

  • Brush your teeth well and floss.

  • Rinse with salt water  after 48h  can help healing for 1 or 2 weeks can speed healing and dislodge food in the alveoli (holes).

Medication

  • Take them  antibiotics  (penicillin, amoxicillin, clindamycin, zithromax) as directed for 7 or 10 days.

  • Do not stop taking antibiotics unless you develop an allergy (eg redness)

  • Take them  pain relievers  and / or anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, Advil, Tylenol) as needed.

  • If this is insufficient, take those with  codeine  (Empracet, Percocet, Percodan) as needed (do not drive as they may cause dizziness).

  • If your dentist has prescribed  Dexamethasone, remember to decrease the dose as recommended. Also, sometimes swelling can occur after this medication is finished.

  • If your stomach cannot tolerate the medication, call your dentist.

  • Taking Aspirin may increase the bleeding.

Swelling

  • Apply ice to the side of the cheek for 20 min / hr on the day of surgery and the next day if your surgery required stitches.

  • During the days following surgery, you can apply warm compresses to relax the muscles.

Sutures

  • The sutures will usually resolve after 2 weeks.

  • If the sutures come undone, you can remove them.

Dry socket

  • If severe pain occurs 24 to 48 hours after surgery, contact your dentist.

  • Smokers are more prone to dry socket.

In case of emergency or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to give us a call.

Pain after a dental extraction

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Pain is expected after every dental extraction, even after the quickest one. We have a lot of experience with surgery and ofter make them look very easy, even the more complexe cases.

The intensity of the pain depends on the surgery complexity and our sensitivity

The worst is usually within the first 2 to 4 hours after anaesthetics wears off. It is recommended to start taking your painkiller of anti-inflammatory medications before the anaesthetics wears off.

If you are a smoker or you dislodged your bloc clot (because you spit or rinsed often within the first 24 hours), you could have a dry socket that is accompanied by intense pain. Please contact your dentist. He/she may apply a dry socket dressing or paste. Sometimes, he/she will have to curette the socket to recreate your blood clot.

If you experience pain that keeps increasing after 48 hours, you might have food packed into your socket. It is recommended to rinse with salt and water or use the plastic syringe provided by your dentist and rinse your socket.

In some cases, pain starting after 2-3 days can be caused by heavy grinding at night. If your jaw is sore in the morning or if you experience pain irradiating towards your ear(s), you might have pain caused by teeth grinding or clenching. It is recommended to avoid any food that requires you to open your mouth wide (ex. burger, sandwich, hot dog, etc.) or try relaxation activities. However, in this fast paced and demanding world, it will not be easy.

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Bruises after a dental extraction

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Bruises after dental extractions are normal. It will take between 7-21 for the bruises to subside. It is not a sign of infection.

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Swelling after a dental extraction

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Swelling are common after surgical extractions requiring osteoectomy (bone removal) or flap (opening the gum).

Swelling is not a sign of infection. However, the accumulation of liquid can increase the risk of infection. Therefore, we recommend antibiotics whenever there is swelling.

Swelling appearing suddenly after 7 to 60 days after the dental extraction is usually caused by food impacted in the socket.

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Bone coming out of the socket

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If you have bone or teeth pieces sticking out of the gum, it is advised to contact your dentist as soon as possible.

If it is a residual root, your dentist will promptly remove it.

Often, there is 

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  • If you have bone or teeth pieces sticking out of the gum, it is advised to contact your dentist as soon as possible.

  • If it is a residual root, your dentist will promptly remove it.

  • Often, there is 

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