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Tooth Extraction Pre- & Post-Op Instructions
Following these guidelines can help reduce complications and speed up your recovery.
​Pre- & Post-Op Instructions
Tooth Extraction
Whether you’re removing a damaged or wisdom tooth, following your dentist’s instructions before and after extraction is key to healing comfortably. These guidelines will help minimize discomfort, reduce swelling, and protect your healing site for a faster recovery.
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​Pre- & Post-Op Instructions
Tooth Extraction
Tooth Extraction Pre-Op Instructions:
Caring for Your Smile — Before Your Tooth Removal
To help your extraction go smoothly and promote proper healing, please follow these guidelines before your appointment:
1. Medical Information
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Inform our office of any medical conditions, recent illnesses, or medications you are taking (especially blood thinners, aspirin, or diabetes medications).
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Let us know if you are pregnant, nursing, or have any allergies.
2. Eating and Drinking
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Local anesthesia only: Eat a light meal 1–2 hours before your appointment.
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IV or oral sedation: Do not eat or drink anything for at least 6–8 hours prior, unless otherwise instructed.
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Take prescribed medications (like blood pressure meds) with a small sip of water, unless told otherwise by your dentist or physician.
3. Smoking & Alcohol
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Avoid smoking and alcohol for 24 hours before your procedure — these can interfere with healing and anesthesia effectiveness.
4. Day of Appointment
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Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
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Avoid heavy makeup or lipstick.
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Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home if you’ll be sedated.
5. Preparation
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Brush and floss gently before your appointment.
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Relax — your dentist will review the procedure and after-care before beginning.
Tooth Extraction Post-Op Instructions:
Caring for Your Smile — After Your Tooth Removal
Proper care after extraction is essential for healing and comfort. Please follow these steps:
1. Bleeding
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Bite firmly on the gauze placed over the extraction site for 30–45 minutes.
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If bleeding continues, replace with a clean gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes.
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A small amount of oozing is normal for the first 24 hours.
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Do not spit, rinse, or use straws for 24 hours — this can dislodge the clot and cause dry socket.
2. Swelling & Discomfort
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Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for the first 6 hours.
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Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed.
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Swelling may peak within 24–48 hours, then begin to subside.
3. Diet
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Stick to soft, cool foods for the first 24 hours (yogurt, mashed potatoes, applesauce, smoothies).
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Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods for several days.
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Drink plenty of water, but no straws for 48 hours.
4. Smoking & Alcohol
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Do not smoke or use tobacco for at least 48–72 hours — it greatly increases the risk of dry socket.
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Avoid alcohol for 24 hours or while taking pain medication.
5. Oral Hygiene
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Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours.
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After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz water) 3–4 times per day, especially after meals.
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Brush and floss other areas as usual, avoiding the extraction site.
6. Healing
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Some soreness and mild swelling are normal for a few days.
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Sutures (if placed) may dissolve on their own or be removed at your follow-up visit.
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Sometimes sutures become dislodged; this is no cause for alarm. Just remove the suture from your mouth and discard it.
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Avoid vigorous activity for 24 hours after surgery.
7. Call Us If You Notice:
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Heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop after firm pressure
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Severe pain 2–3 days after extraction (possible dry socket)
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Fever, swelling that worsens, or pus discharge
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Persistent numbness or tingling of the lips, chin, or tongue
Thank you for trusting Lexington Dental Frisco! If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at 469-598-1027. Your comfort and healing are our top priorities.
