What to Do After a Tooth Extraction

WHAT TO DO AFTER A TOOTH EXTRACTION

• Bite on the gauze (sterile pad) placed by your dentist for half an hour.
• Do not touch the wound with your tongue or any object. Otherwise pain, an abscess or bleeding may develop.
• Avoid rinsing, spitting and anything that increases pressure in the mouth. Otherwise bleeding increases and the blood clot may not form.
• Do not put cotton on the extraction site, as it can disturb healing.
• After an extraction (especially wisdom teeth), first apply an ice pack on the cheek over the area: 5 minutes on, 5 minutes off.
• Do not chew on the extraction side for the first 24 hours.
• Prefer lukewarm and liquid foods, but avoid sucking, for example through a straw.
• Do not smoke for the first 24 hours and do not drink alcohol for 72 hours.