Dental Health

Home Instructions for Your Tooth Extraction

Please click here to print the instructions below:

On the day of the extraction:

»Bite on a gauze pad to promote healing. After an extraction, a blood clot must form. This stops the bleeding and begins the healing process. We recommend biting on a folded gauze pad for 30 minutes after the extraction. If bleeding or oozing continues, replace the gauze and repeat the pressure until the bleeding stops- you may have to do this several times at home.

»Eat soft foods only. Drink plenty of water.

»For swelling, apply cold towels or an ice bag to your face for the first 24 hours. We recommend doing this for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off until swelling subsides.

»Avoid eating or drinking until the numbness is gone, usually within 2-4 hours. This will prevent accidentally biting your lip, tongue, or cheek.

»For the first 24 hours, do not:

■ smoke

■ suck through a straw

■ spit, rinse or swish your mouth vigorously

■ brush the teeth next to the tooth socket or extraction site

■ drink hot liquids or eat hot solid foods

■ do strenuous activity

■ touch or disturb the area where the work was done

»There may be sensitivity to heat, cold and pressure in the first week-this is normal.

»If an antibiotic is prescribed, take it for the prescribed length of time, even if symptoms are gone.

»Sometimes there is a small amount of blood in saliva. Consider protecting your pillowcase by putting a towel on it.

On the day following the extraction:

»Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 tsp salt in 1 cup warm water). Repeat every 3-4 hours for 3-4 days.

»Resume your normal diet.

We will call you either the day of the extraction or the next business day to be sure all is well. Call us immediately if bleeding continues more than 24 hours or if you have questions or concerns.

Office phone: 651.631.3100

Dr. Finney's phone: 651.503.3190