Dr Dental, What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction
After having one or more teeth extractions, you will want to take proper care in order to heal quickly and smoothly. Once a tooth is removed a blood clot is formed. The blood clot covers the extraction site which allows the area to heal.
It will be normal for the extraction area to be tender for the first few days after the extraction. In many cases a simple over the counter pain relief will be enough to relive any discomfort. After having the extraction take it easy for the rest of the day. When you sleep for the first night do your best to keep your head up with pillows.
In the first day after the extraction you may have some bleeding. Your dentist will usually provide a few gauze pads for this. Just place the pad in the area and you should try and keep firm pressure on it. Slight bleeding for the first day or so is normal, but if you still bleed more heavily after an hour or two, contact your dentist.
Do not rinse your mouth during the first twenty-four hours, after this period you can gently rinse your mouth using warm salt water. You will want to rinse after every meal and snack in order to remove any bits of food around the extraction area.