Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Willmar & Marshall, MN

Specializing in Excellent Care

Our mission is to help patients live healthier lives. We provide a caring, nurturing environment where your comfort and health is of primary importance

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After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s 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 at least one hour after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad or tea bag and bite firmly for another 60 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 24 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.

Pain Management

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 by applying 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 – 72 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. Antibiotic therapy may decrease oral contraceptive effectiveness. Those taking birth control pills should consult their physician. Do not drive or operate mechanical equipment after taking pain medication. Due to current federal law, most narcotic prescriptions can no longer be called in on weekends or evenings.

For you own safety, do not drive, operate machinery, or sign any important or legal documents for 24 hours following intravenous anesthesia. Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

Dental Hygiene After Treatment

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 more than 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medications, please call our office immediately.