NEWS & RESOURCES
Things You Should Know
EXTRACTIONS AFTER CARE
During the first 24 hours
It is important that a blood clot forms on the extraction site to stop bleeding, reduce pain, and speed healing. To protect the socket and avoid pain of dry socket:
Bite on gauze pad firmly for one hour. Blood and saliva mix in the mouth and make it look like there is more bleeding than there really is. Some oozing is normal; however, after one hour, repeat with a clean gauze pad if oozing is profuse. The site could ooze for as long as 24 hours.
Don’t spit and don’t suck through straw.
Don’t rinse your mouth, and don’t brush or floss next to the site
Don’t smoke or use tobacco. Avoid any tobacco products for at least one week because it slows healing.
Limit yourself to calm activities and elevate your head with pillows when you lie down to reduce bleeding
Don’t drink hot, carbonated, or alcoholic drinks, and avoid hot or spicy foods
To control discomfort, take pain medication as prescribed.
When the numbness has worn off completely, drink lots of fluids and eat only soft nutritious foods
After the first 24 hours
Begin to eat normally as soon as it’s comfortable
Resume brushing and flossing, but clean gently around the site for about a week
If antibiotics were prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if all symptoms and signs of infection are gone.
Reduce swelling by rinsing your mouth very gently with warm salt water. Use about 1 tsp of salt per glass of warm water. Rinse two to three times per day for the week following the extractions
DENTURE CARE
Using a soft bristled toothbrush, brush your remaining teeth, as well as your tongue, palate, and gums. This not only removes plaque and keeps your breath fresh, it also massages your gums and stimulates circulation, keeping your natural teeth and tissues healthy.
Tough stains and tartar can be removed by soaking your dentures in white vinegar for several hours. After you’ve cleaned your dentures, always remember to rinse them in water before placing them in your mouth.
Never soak your denture for more than 15 minutes if they have any metal parts.
Whenever they are out of your mouth, your dentures should be stored in water.
Your gums need a period of rest in order to remain healthy, so don’t wear your dentures to bed at night.
See us regularly for examinations to ensure that your dentures fit properly and your mouth stays healthy.