After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, its important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Thats why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot as it aids healing. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities will dislodge or dissolve the clot and retard the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours as this will increase blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Use the pain medication as directed. Call the office if the medication doesnt seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time, even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluid and eat nutritious soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you will feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately at 573-635-7216.

Jefferson City Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery

5 out of 5 stars based on 4 Extractions reviews

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

Friendly staff and Dr. Bessey listens to you and explains things really well so you can be comfortable with procedures. Highly recommend

- Linda T

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

Upon entering my daughter-in-law and & I were treated with the utmost respect. I can't tell you how nice the dental assistants were to me while prepping me for my tooth extraction. I had expressed how VERY ANXIOUS I was about visiting any dental office. Everyone seem to to fully understand! Please convey to the doctor who did my procedure how very much I VERY APPRECIATED how he talked to me during the procedure; calming me down. He did AN EXCELLENT job to say the least. And he did go "above and beyond" to treat me SO KIND! I am doing well; following the orange sheet of after extraction procedures. Again: THANK-YOU to everyone; even the lovely lady who helped me out to our car.

- Virginia D

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

Very polite workers

- Alexus S

5 out of 5 stars on

Our Latest Patient Testimonials

The staff and Dr. Bessey were very friendly and considerate. I felt at ease during my procedures and felt comfortable talking to Dr. Bessey. Feeling at ease is one of the most important things when going to a doctor.

- Dennis S

5 out of 5 stars on