Pain
Feeling some pain or discomfort around the surgical site is normal and can last for 3-5 days.
Sore Jaw
It is normal for your muscles to be sore and to have difficulty opening your mouth for about a week. Gently massage your muscles and apply warm compresses after the first 24 hours post extraction.
Bleeding
The most effective way to prevent excessive bleeding is to keep pressure on the surgical site post extraction, as directed. Having a small amount of bleeding for the first few days after surgery is normal.
Swelling
Swelling may happen in the first 24 hours after extraction and it may last for 1 week. Bruising may also occur. To minimize swelling and bruising, apply a cold compress for intervals of 10 minutes during the first 24 hours post extraction. After the first day it is okay to alternate between cold and warm compresses.
Dry Socket
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot in the socket is lost or irritated before healing is complete. This leaves the bone exposed to the oral cavity, and several irritants can gain access to extraction site and cause pain. This generally occurs within 2 days after extraction and smokers are at higher risk. Please call our office if this occurs.
Bone or Tooth Fragments
Small fragments of tooth or bone may be left after an extraction. Your body will try to get rid of these fragments by pushing them to the surface, and you might feel small sharp pieces coming through the tissue around the site. Please call our office so these can be removed.
Infection
On occasion surgical sites do get infected. If you notice any pus coming out of the socket, or if it is excessively red and tender more than 3 days after the surgery, that might be a sign of an infection. Please contact the office for additional care and information.