Following the extraction of teeth, blood clots form in the remaining socket in order to prevent any post-extraction inflammation and infection; thus, it is essential to preserve these blood clots in the socket.
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In the event that any of the following happens, feel free to call us during regular office hours at (203) 327-7498. In case the problem arises outside regular office hours, you may call us at (203) 327-7498.
95 Morgan Street, Suite 1A
Stamford, CT 06905
Home care instructions and answers to the questions we hear most after wisdom teeth removal.
Following the extraction of your teeth, a gauze pack would have been placed over the extraction site, and you were instructed to close your jaws tightly for about 30 to 45 minutes. You might be required to change the gauze pack every 30 to 45 minutes if necessary. Please continue using the gauze packs for several hours following the surgery to ensure that the bleeding is under control. You will experience only slight bleeding before going to bed (you do not need to place the gauze while sleeping).
In case you suspect that the bleeding is not stopping, make sure that you place the gauze directly on the site of the bleeding and apply continuous pressure for 45 minutes. This method is quite effective in controlling the bleeding for the most part.
Other methods of dealing with the problem include using a teabag in its usual form. It needs to be placed on the extraction site and bitten down as described earlier. Tea contains tannic acid, which helps in clotting. In case you experience heavy bleeding, please call the doctor’s office.
A dry socket means a blood clot that has disintegrated prematurely. A dry socket normally happens within three to five days post-operation. A dry socket occurs more frequently in women. It affects those who are smokers or have some other health problem that affects their healing process. Excessive physical exertion will lead you to develop a dry socket. Possible signs of a dry socket include increased pain and bad breath from your mouth. Normally, a pain caused by a dry socket spreads to your ear. Please let us know when you have such symptoms.
We suggest that you drink plenty of fluids and stick to a soft diet. Hot fluids should be avoided as they might cause the dissolving of the blood clot earlier than expected. You should avoid consuming alcohol since it might interact with your pain medication. Soft, thick, and creamy foods are advised for the first 5-7 days. Popcorn and other seedy foods, such as raspberries, should be avoided. Other foods that might easily lodge themselves in the surgical sites should also be avoided. Spitting, sucking through straws, and smoking should be avoided for one week after the procedure.
Starting on the fifth day after the procedure, clean the extracted tooth socket using the syringe provided.
Instructions for use: stand in front of the mirror, and open your mouth to expose the area where the procedure was performed. Fill the syringe with warm water and touch the opening of the syringe to the area. Perform this process after meals and before sleep.
Follow prescription directions. The medications have been prescribed to ensure pain management. As you heal, your pain will diminish. As your pain diminishes, you can reduce how often you take your pain medicine.
PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU ARE TAKING BIRTH CONTROL PILLS AND ARE PRESCRIBED ANTIBIOTICS, STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT ANTIBIOTICS CAN DECREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF BIRTH CONTROL PILLS FOR UP TO 30 DAYS.
Gentle brushing of your teeth should commence as early as possible. You should brush the biting surface of the teeth only as you approach the surgical sites with the toothbrush. Maintain oral hygiene by brushing your teeth regularly. You have been prescribed an anti-microbial mouth rinse. You should commence using it after 48 hours of surgery.
Any kind of physical exercise that leads to an increase in your pulse should be avoided during the first five days post-operatively. Increased physical activities, causing an increase in your pulse, are associated with an increased risk of dry socket.
Your stitches have been placed to control bleeding and encourage healing. These dissolve on their own in 10 to 14 days.
A certain amount of swelling accompanies nearly all tooth extractions. This is natural because it starts the process of healing. Swelling tends to be very pronounced following the extraction of impacted wisdom teeth. The application of an ice pack for up to 48 hours can alleviate the swelling. It will take between 36 and 48 hours for the swelling to peak.
Note: You should avoid blowing your nose for one week after the extraction of upper wisdom teeth.
If you have any questions about these instructions or any concerns, please call our office (203) 327-7498.
Please note that prescriptions will be filled or refilled during office hours only so we are able to verify office records.
Call Stamford Dental Studio if you experience severe or increasing pain, excessive bleeding, significant swelling, fever, or any other unusual concern after your treatment.
Our office is located at 95 Morgan Street, Suite 1A, Stamford, CT. Call (203) 327-7498 to request an appointment with Dr. Joshua Matatov.
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