INSTRUCTIONS





After An Extraction

Occasionally, Dr. Horalek will extract a non-restorable tooth, if both the patient and restorative dentist request or approve it. 
 
For the first 24 hours. . .
 
If the extraction was "surgical," apply a small ice pack wrapped in a towel to the side of the face adjacent to the extraction.  If the extraction was "simple", ice will not be necessary.
 
Fill any prescriptions given on the way home, so they are readily avaliable. 
 
Avoid alcohol, especially while taking prescription medications.
 
Do not take aspirin or any aspirin-containing medication for the first 24 hours after sugery.
 
Avoid strenuous activities for 24 hours. Protect your pillow case from any oozing with an old towel. Drink plenty of fluids and ingest calories (ie: milk shake or other soft foods) following sugery to assist your body in the healing process. 
 
Continued healing. . .
 
For the first 24 hours after extraction, keep the mouth and surgical area clean by brushing with a soft tooth brush and salt-water (one-half  teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water).
 
Continue with a soft diet for 48 hours after extraction.  Avoid crunchy foods (raw carrots, apples, toast, etc.), as these tend to dislodge sutures. 
 
Avoid drinking through a straw or smoking for 72 hours.  This can disrupt the blood clot, which is a normal part of the healing process.  A small amount of bleeding may persist for up to 48 hours.  If the extraction was "surgical", there may be swelling for up to 72 hours and / or bruising for five to seven days. 
 
Should you experience discomfort not controlled by your prescription, a fever, or excessive swelling that started three or more days after the extraction, please call our office at 919.256.3996.