Tooth extractions are not an uncommon procedure. As Michael Eisenband states, tooth extractions often times require a little extra care by the patient in order to reduce pain and swelling after the extraction treatment. Michael Eisenband recognizes the importance of taking proper care of your oral health. He provides the following instructions for people who have recently been through a professional tooth extraction.

After the tooth is extracted, it is important that a blood clot be allowed to form. This is important for a number of reasons, but the most important one is to stop the bleeding. This allows the healing process can begin. Place a gauze pad where the tooth was, says Michael Eisenband, and bite down for 30-45 minutes. If it has not stopped bleeding at that point, he says, repeat the process. It might take a few times before the blood clot is formed and the bleeding stops.

Once that blood clot has formed for the next 72 hours, be careful to not disturb the clot as it aids the healing process. This means rinse gently, do not use straws, do not smoke or drink, or even brush teeth next to the place the tooth was. All of the aforementioned things, says Michael Eisenband, can have the effect of dissolving or dislodging the clot, and can interfere with the healing process. Increased blood pressure may cause more bleeding, making it important to also limit your amount of vigorous exercise for that same 72 hours.

After the tooth is extracted, Michael Eisenband says, you might have some pain and swelling. If you were prescribed pain medication, take your medication as directed. An ice pack or unopened bag of small frozen peas or corn will often help keep the swelling down. The swelling, he says, should die down after 48 hours.

If the Pain Medication does not seem to be working, says Michael Eisenband, call your dental office. If you are prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take all of them as directed. Don't stop taking them just because there aren’t any signs or symptoms of infection.

Often after a tooth extraction people can be dehydrated, so make sure you drink lots of fluids, and eat only nutritious soft foods, on the day after the tooth extraction. Eat normally, says Michael Eisenband, or only as regularly as is comfortable.

If you have any concerns or questions, or if you are experiencing heavy bleeding, sever pain, or continued swelling for 2-3 days, says Michael Eisenband, call your dental office immediately.