Please follow the instructions below to minimize bleeding, prevent dry sockets and improve comfort.
Bite on gauze for 30 minutes. Repeat as necessary using firm, steady pressure or bite on a cold, wet, tea bag and keep your head elevated. This should significantly control bleeding; however, slight oozing of blood is to be expected.
For the NEXT 24 hours:
- Keep head elevated.
- Food and drink should be cold, cool, or room temperature.
- Apply ice pack to outside of face over the surgical or extraction site. Alternate 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off.
24 hours AFTER procedure:
- Gently rinse mouth with warm, salty water (1/2 teaspoon salt to an 8 oz. glass of warm water). For approximately 2 minutes
- Do this 3 times a day for 3 days.
- Brush teeth carefully avoiding surgical area or extraction site.
4 days AFTER procedure:
- Do not smoke
- Do not spit
- Do not use a straw
- Do not "suck" or irritate the area with your tongue
- Do not use hydrogen peroxide
- Do not drink carbonated or fizzy beverages
- Do not use commercial mouthwash
- Do not take aspirin
- Eating: You may begin drinking and eating after the gauze is removed. Cold, cool or room temperature foods for the first day
- Soft food for comfort. Do not eat nuts, seeds, popcorn, chips, or sharp food.
- Eating something before you begin pain pills will help prevent nausea
What you can expect:
To see diluted blood in your mouth for 2-3 days Swelling around the extraction site or surgical area To be VERY sore for at least 4 days (3rd day is the worse) To gradually feel more comfortable after one week To have bad breath for 1-2 weeks
Notify us immediately for:
Repeated vomiting, uncontrolled bleeding, or a fever of 101 F or greater Do not drink alcohol, drive, or operate machinery while taking narcotic pain medication.
