Get To Know Us Our dentists at Magnificent Mile Family Dental may recommend a tooth extraction if your tooth becomes damaged or broken beyond repair. Dr. Olaitan Okediji-Registe is highly skilled in this procedure and will do all she can to make you feel completely relaxed. For questions or concerns about tooth extractions in Chicago, Illinois, please give us a call at 312-280-0034.
Post-Op Care:
After undergoing a tooth extraction, there are some post-operative instructions you need to know for healing. If you have any questions, please contact Magnificent Mile Family Dental, and we will help you in any way we can.
Swelling: Swelling is perfectly normal. To help reduce it, apply ice packs to the outside of your mouth intermittently (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for up to two days. If your tooth was infected prior to extraction, the dentist may advise that you use warm, moist compresses instead of ice.
Bleeding: Some bleeding after extraction is to be expected. Make sure to keep a gauze pad over the extraction site for 30 minutes post-surgery. For heavier bleeding, bite down on a gauze pad or place your fingers over the pad consistently for 30 minutes before removing it. Another option is to use a moistened tea bag for the same amount of time. Tea contains tannic acid, which contracts the blood vessels and helps the blood clot set.
Oral Care: Limit eating, drinking, and talking for the first two hours following surgery, and rest for the remainder of the day. In order to prevent the blood clot from dislodging, do not rinse vigorously or use a straw when drinking. Furthermore, you should avoid strenuous exercise for a few days, as well as smoking or spitting excessively on the day of the surgery or as long as there is bleeding. After 12 hours, you can gently rinse with salt water or a diluted mouthwash. Brush your teeth softly the night of the surgery, avoiding the surgical site as best as possible.
Nutrition: After the bleeding stops, drink plenty of tepid water or cold fluids to stay hydrated. Eat regular meals, but start out with clear liquids and soft foods. Puddings, gelatins, eggs, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, and smoothies are ideal choices, as are vegetables and meats that have been liquefied in a blender. Avoid carbonated beverages, along with foods like popcorn, peanuts, and pasta, as these can cause the blood clot to dislodge.
Medications: Pain medications and/or antibiotics will most likely be prescribed and should be taken exactly as directed by your dentist. Please be advised that if you are taking a strong narcotic pain medication, you will be asked to not drive or operate machinery, and to not consume alcoholic beverages.
If you experience any severe complications, such as swelling that gets worse instead of better, excessive bleeding that will not subside even with pressure, a high and persisting fever, or acute throbbing pain three to four days following surgery, please call the dentist immediately.