- Bite down on gauze firmly for thirty to sixty minutes after extraction.
- Repeat biting on gauze only if necessary. A small amount of oozing from the extraction site for the first day is not unusual. Do not sleep with gauze in mouth.
- After 24 hours, rinse with warm salt water after meals, 1/2 teaspoon salt to 8 oz. warm water. Continue to rinse with warm salt water for one month.
- Do not rinse or spit out for the first 24 hours after extraction.
- Do not use a straw for the first 24 hours after extraction.
- Do not smoke or chew tobacco two weeks prior to surgery and one month following extraction.
- Do not use mouthwash for one month following extraction.
- Avoid hot or spicy foods for the first few days.
- Diet initially should be liquid or soft, and should progress normally as tolerated.
- Use the pain medications or antibiotics as prescribed.
- Apply ice pack to face on and off for first day.
- If you received IV sedation or general anesthesia, you are not to drive, operate machinery, or drink alcohol for 24 hours.
- Resume brushing the following day.
- After 48 hours use warm pack to decrease swelling.
Swelling is a normal consequence of oral surgical procedures. Swelling tends to increase over the first two or three days, and then subsides. Post-operative discomfort usually is most noticeable the first day and should dissipate slowly over the next couple of days. If pain increases on the fourth or fifth day, please call the office to rule out a dry socket.
If there are any side effects or allergic type reactions to the medications being taken, stop them immediately and call the office. If there are any significant concerns or questions which you might have, please call the office.