Home care instructions after receiving a tooth extraction at Avon Family and Cosmetic Dentistry:
- Bite down on gauze: Bite down on the gauze pad provided by your dentist for 30 to 45 minutes after the surgery to help control bleeding. Change the gauze pad as needed.
- Apply ice: Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 10-20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and pain.
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities: Rest for the remainder of the day after the surgery and avoid any strenuous activities for the next 24 hours.
- Eat soft foods: Eat soft, cool foods such as yogurt, pudding, and mashed potatoes for the first few days after the surgery.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking can delay healing and increase the risk of infection. It is best to avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after the surgery.
- Take prescribed medication: Take any prescribed medication as directed by your dentist, including antibiotics and painkillers.
- Rinse with salt water: Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water several times a day starting 24 hours after the surgery to promote healing and reduce swelling.
- Avoid touching the surgical site: Avoid touching the surgical site with your tongue or fingers to avoid infection.
- Brush gently: Brush your teeth gently, but avoid the surgical site for the first few days.
- Attend follow-up appointments: Attend all follow-up appointments with your dentist to monitor the healing process and ensure that there are no complications.
Following these instructions can help ensure the success of your surgical extraction and promote optimal healing. It is important to follow all post-operative care instructions and attend all follow-up appointments with your dentist for optimal oral health.
Please call our office at 860.674.0707 should you have any questions.
