Post Operative Instructions for Routine Tooth Extractions

Routine tooth extractions generally don't hurt, swell, or bleed much. Healing is rapid.

1. Patients, especially children, should not eat solid food for at least 2 hours so as not to bite the tongue/lip while numb.
2. Change gauze every 20 minutes if bleeding continues.
3. No bike riding, gymnastics, contact sports, swimming or any activity where they may get hurt for 24 hours.
4. Give Tylenol for pain or samples provided.
5. Apply ice bag to the area – on 20 minutes, off 20 minutes.
6. Soft diet - soup for lunch, pasta for dinner.
7. Tomorrow’s diet at tolerated. Avoid chewing at the extraction site.
8. Gentle rinsing should be started the next day. Use 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 6 oz. warm water.
9. You may brush your teeth the next morning. Avoid the stitches.

For emergency circumstances which cannot wait until the next day, call us at 410-337-7755 (office) or page us after hours at 410-494-7535.