After Tooth Extractions

Print Post Surgery Instructions and Return Appointment Form

Contact Our Office Today...

Call us with any questions or to make an appointment.
 Encinitas 760-942-1333  Map & Directions

After tooth extraction, its important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s 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 doesn’t 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 Encinitas Oral Surgery Office Phone Number 760-942-1333.

Encinitas Oral Surgery

4.97 out of 5 stars based on 33 reviews

Patient Review

Dr. Seul and his team are a model for what health care providers should be. The experience they create is outstanding, both in clinical quality and service-oriented relationship (warm, compassionate, proactive, responsive, helpful, delightful). What a high achievement for an oral surgery practice to make patients actually look forward to seeing them. I highly recommend!

- Claudia Schwartz

Google Verified Review
5 out of 5 stars by Claudia Schwartz on

Patient Review

Professional service not only for actual surgery, but excellent service from scheduling, follow-up and billing departments as well. Would recommend.

- Bill Miller

Google Verified Review
5 out of 5 stars by Bill Miller on

Patient Review

This was a great experience as extractions go staff was friendly and efficient

- Greg Rogers

Google Verified Review
5 out of 5 stars by Greg Rogers on

Patient Review

I brought my 80 year old mom there and they could not have been any sweeter and patient! Everyone was so friendly and helpful. I would recommend this office to anyone needing dental services.

- Sherri Migdol

Google Verified Review
5 out of 5 stars by Sherri Migdol on

Patient Review

Dr Seul is very friendly and explains things so I can understand. I can’t say enough about how friendly and accommodating the staff is! For anything mouth or gum related that is more than regular dentistry this is the place to go.

- Patricia Upham

Google Verified Review
5 out of 5 stars by Patricia Upham on