Wear loose, comfortable clothing and arrange to have someone be with you after surgery. Extractions can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Following surgery, you may experience some swelling and discomfort, which is part of the normal healing process. Cold compresses can help decrease the swelling and medication prescribed by your dentist can help decrease the pain. You may be instructed to drink only clear liquids following surgery and later progress to soft foods.
Some patients experience numbness or tingling following surgery.
Normal sensation usually returns in a period of time. Occasionally, a dry socket occurs when the blood clot breaks down earlier than normal. A dressing placed in the socket protects it until the socket heals. Talk with your dentist about any questions that you have. It is especially important to let your dentist know, before surgery, of any illness that you have and medications that you are taking.