Exo Dentistry in Whittier, CA

What to Expect After a Tooth Extraction?

It’s normal to experience some discomfort after exodontia as your body begins to heal. Understanding what to expect during the recovery phase can help you manage symptoms more effectively. 

Here is a helpful overview of what you can expect after visiting us in Whittier, CA, for exo dentistry.

Bleeding and Oozing

Intermittent oozing after receiving exodontic services is normal for up to 24 hours and can last longer if you are taking blood thinners such as warfarin and rivaroxaban. The blood will mix with saliva, so it is essential to determine if there is active bleeding. 

The above instructions can be repeated, and then the gauze can be discontinued when the bleeding has subsided. Do not go to sleep with any gauze in your mouth.

Swelling

Swelling from oral surgery is normal in exodontics and reaches its maximum in 48 hours. Keeping your head elevated with two pillows when lying down can help minimize facial swelling. 

Swelling can also be minimized by applying cold compression to your face every hour (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) for the first 48 hours. After 48 hours, warm compression will help reduce the swelling. These should be continued (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) until the swelling has subsided.

Post-Operative Exodontia Instructions & Home Care

A newly extracted tooth creates an open wound in your mouth. It renders the underlying bone and tissue susceptible to infection, bleeding, and irritation until it has fully healed.

After receiving exo dentistry services at the Perfect Smile Dental Group, you must stick to these post-operative care instructions for the whole day to ensure proper healing:

• Avoid exercising or lifting anything heavy that can cause bleeding at the extraction site.

• Avoid eating any hard or spicy foods that can irritate the extraction area.
• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco for a week after receiving exodontic services, because it can cause an extremely painful dry socket. Use Nicotine patches to manage nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
• Alcohol should not be consumed while taking pain medication and/or antibiotics.
• Do not spit or drink through a straw for one week after visiting us in Whittier, CA, for exodontics, because this action can disrupt the blood clot and cause bleeding.

Here are more detailed guidelines to help you manage the pain and care for your teeth.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics such as amoxicillin and metronidazole are prescribed to treat or prevent infections. Take all of the medication as directed. 

Do not stop halfway, as this can cause tolerance and decrease the effectiveness of the antibiotics the next time you need them.

Pain

Dr. Yang may also recommend painkillers, such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin) and acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol), to help manage the discomfort. Ibuprofen can cause acid reflux, so make sure to eat something before taking it.

To decrease the chance of nausea and stomachache after visiting us in Whittier, CA, for exo dentistry, make sure to take your pain medications with food.

Rinsing

Avoid rinsing the mouth for 24 hours after exodontia. It may disturb the clot. 

The following day, you may begin gently rinsing with warm salt water. Dilute one teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water and rinse gently 3 or 4 times a day for 1 week. Make sure to open your mouth and let the water fall out, do not spit as this can create pressure in the mouth and cause bleeding.

Brushing

Avoid brushing near the surgical sites the day of receiving exodontic services, since there may be stitches that can be disturbed, as well as some soreness and swelling. 

Begin your regular hygiene routine as soon as possible and gently brush the areas that are comfortable for you.