Tooth Extraction FAQ
Chicago, IL
Extractions provided by Our Team of Dental Experts
in Chicago, IL at East Village Dental Centre
 As an emergency dentist in Chicago, at East Village Dental Centre we know extraction is one of the most dreaded dental procedures. To ease your concerns, we want to provide answers to some of the questions we’re most frequently asked
After extraction, what should I do next?
We recommend you take it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid exercise, rest as much as possible and keep your head elevated to avoid excessive bleeding.
What other precautions should I take?
Avoid hot food and drinks until the anesthetic wears off. The anesthetic prevents you from feeling pain, and you could burn your mouth. Also, be careful not to bite your cheek. This is a problem that commonly occurs when you have no feeling in your mouth.
When you rest or go to bed for the night, keep your head elevated, using an extra pillow if necessary. It’s a good idea to use an old pillowcase or towel in case you bleed some while asleep.
Should I rinse my mouth out?
No, avoid rinsing for at least 24 hours after the extraction as you don’t want to damage the blood clot protecting the socket. You also should not eat on that side or let your tongue disturb the clot.
What about alcohol and tobacco?
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours as this can encourage bleeding and delay healing. If you smoke, remember smoking increases your blood pressure, and we recommend that you avoid smoking for the rest of the day.
What can I eat?
Eat and drink lukewarm food and beverages but avoid chewing on that side of the mouth. It’s also best to avoid crunchy foods like popcorn, nuts, and chips that break into small pieces that can get packed down into the extraction site.
Can I brush?
Yes, because it’s important to keep your mouth clean after an extraction. Just be careful when brushing around the extraction site.
What should I do about bleeding?
There may be some bleeding for the first day or so, and if you notice bleeding, do not rinse out your mouth. Instead, bite firmly on some gauze material placed over the extraction site for about 15 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop in an hour or so, contact our office. |
