After Tooth Extraction

After Surgery

As with any surgical procedure, some oozing (bleeding), discomfort and swelling may occur post operatively. The following instructions will help minimize these conditions and hasten your recovery.

• Bleeding: Bleeding is controlled by placing pressure over the wound by biting on the gauze firmly. Fold the gauze in half and then half again, and roll it up and place it directly over the extraction site. Bite very firmly for several hours until the bleeding has nearly stopped. As the gauze gets soaked, replace it with a new one. If the bleeding persists, try wetting a tea bag and wrapping it in gauze and biting on it for about an hour. If the bleeding is very brisk, please call our office. Some very minor oozing is possible over the first 24 hours. Do not spit vigorously.
• Ice: Place ice packs on the outside of your cheeks adjacent to the extraction site for 20 minutes on & 20 minutes off for at least 6-12 hours up to 24 hours. This should be done as quickly as possible after the surgery. Crushed ice in a zip-lock bag works well, as do frozen peas or corn. Ice packs with a head wrap are available for purchase in our office.
• Diet: It is important to maintain fluid and food intake after the surgery. Milkshakes and smoothies are fine, but avoid sucking through a straw. It is recommended to wait until the local anesthetic has worn off and the “feeling” returns before chewing. Soft foods such as ice cream, Jell-O, pudding, applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, soft pasta and eggs are suggested. If hot beverages or soup are eaten, they should be lukewarm in temperature. Avoid salty, spicy or crunchy foods. Be sure to remove the gauze while eating and replace them shortly thereafter.
• Medication: Take all medication as prescribed by Dr. Jui. We recommend taking the prescribed pain medication as soon as possible after surgery, while the local anesthetic is still effective, as adequate time must be allowed for the medication to digest. Do not drive or ingest alcoholic beverages while taking the pain medication, as you may feel drowsy. Take the medication with food to avoid any potential stomach upset.
• Tooth brushing: Good oral hygiene is essential to promote proper wound healing after surgery. After the first 24 hours, brush teeth gently. We will give you toothettes (soft spongy brushes) to use around the surgical sites. Avoid commercial mouthwashes, as they will sting. Commercial toothpaste may also sting. You may wish to use baking soda instead. After the first day, rinse 3-4 times per day with warm salt water, especially after eating. Do not spit vigorously.
• Activity: Avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours after the surgery. Immediately after the surgery, we recommend sitting quietly with your head elevated. When lying down, elevate your head with an extra pillow. (Put a towel over the pillow in case of any minor oozing that may occur).
• Sutures: You may have sutures at the extraction sites. These will not dissolve and will be removed at your postoperative visit. The salt water rinses help keep these sutures clean.
• Smoking: Do not smoke for several days after the surgery. The heat and tar from the cigarette may cause the clot to break down, impair tissue ingrowth and delay healing.
• Bone fragments or spicules: Small fragments of bone may loosen and migrate to the surface of the gum during the healing phase. They usually will loosen and come out on their own, but if they are sharp and uncomfortable, return to the office for their simple removal.
• Healing: In general, the discomfort should lessen with each progressive day. If you experience increasing pain, please notify the office as soon as possible.

If you are having a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 immediately.

If any problems occur during business hours call the office at (949) 727-4633, or you can contact Dr. Jui after hours by call her cell phone at (949) 922-2801 if she does not answer leave a message she will return your call as soon as possible.