After Your Extraction

A blood clot will be forming in the socket where the tooth was. This blood clot is very important. If the blood clot is lost, you may experience a "dry socket." A "dry socket" is when the blood clot has been lost and the bone in the socket is exposed. It is followed by a constant ache and can be very painful. The following instructions will help prevent the loss of your blood clot:

For the first 48 hours:

• Don't eat anything that's very warm or cold

• No spitting

• No smoking

• No alcohol

• No mouthwashes

• No vigorous rinsing

• No sucking through straws

• No strenuous activity (example: playing tennis)

When you get home:

• Take it easy, lie down if you can (the lower your blood pressure, the less bleeding and better clotting results)

• When you to go bed, put a towel over your pillow (in case of residual bleeding).