After your extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form, to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad (place over each surgical site) changing it for 30-60 minutes until the bleeding stops completely.

Light oozing is normal throughout the day of surgery. When the surgical site(s) are not visually/actively bleeding, remove the gauze and discontinue its use. You may eat and drink between gauze changes. Over use of gauze or talking with gauze in place can promote bleeding. If you run out of gauze, you can place a tea bag over the surgical site(s) and gently bite. The tannic acid constricts the vessels and can slow or stop bleeding. If you are experiencing heavy bleeding at any time after your surgery (consistent with a nosebleed) call our office as soon as possible. If after 48 hours you have any numbness of the lip, teeth or chin (this is usually temporary) please call our office.

WOUND CARE

Bite firmly on gauze pack that has been placed until you arrive home, then remove it gently.

Do not smoke for 12 hours because this will promote bleeding and interfere with healing.

BLEEDING

Some blood will ooze from the area of surgery and is normal. You may find a blood stain on your pillow in the morning.

Do not spit or suck through a straw, since this promotes bleeding.

If bleeding begins again, place a small damp gauze pack directly over the tooth socket and bite filmily for 30 minutes.

Keep your head elevated with several pillows or sit in a lounge chair.

DISCOMFORT

Some discomfort is normal after surgery. It can be controlled but not eliminated by taking the pain pills your dentist has prescribed.

Take your pain pills with a whole glass of water and with a small amount of food if the pills cause nausea.

Do not drive or drink alcohol if you take prescription pain pills.

DIET

It is important to drink a large volume of fluids. Do not drink through a Straw, this may promote bleeding.

Eat normal regular meals as soon as possible after surgery. Cold, soft food such as ice cream or yogurt may be the most comfortable for the first day.

ORAL HYGIENE

Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for the first 8 hours after surgery.

After that, rinse gently with warm salt water (1 / 2 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of warm water) every 4 hours.

Brush your teeth gently but avoid the area of surgery.

SWELLING

Swelling after surgery is a normal body reaction. It reaches its maximum about 48 hours after surgery and usually 4 to 6 days.

Applying ice packs over the are of surgery for the first 12 hours helps control swelling and may help the area to be more comfortable.

REST

Avoid strenuous activity for 12 hours after your surgery.

BRUISING

You may experience some mild bruising in the area of your surgery. This is a normal response in some persons and should not be a cause for alarm, it will disappear in 7 to 14 days.

STIFNESS

After surgery you may experience jaw muscle stiffness and limited opening of your mouth. This is normal and will improve in 5 to 10 days.

CALL THE OFFICE IF:

You experience excessive discomfort that you cannot control with your pain pills.

You have bleeding that you cannot control by biting on gauze.

You have increased swelling after the third day following your surgery.

You feel that you have a fever.

You have any questions.