When we finish an extraction, we will pack the area with gauze before we dismiss you. Continue biting firmly on the gauze for up to 30 minutes following your procedure. If additional bleeding is present fold 1–2 pieces of the gauze provided, place over the extraction site and bite down with pressure. Pressure allows a blood clot to form which will allow the healing process to start.

Do NOT spit, rinse, suck (using a straw), smoke, drink carbonated or alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours. Passively empty your mouth when needed. The goal is to keep blood clot in the socket to prevent bleeding and a painful complication known as DRY SOCKET.

After the anesthetic wears off you may experience one or more of the following symptoms: minor pain, swelling, bruising, limitation in opening or closing your mouth, pain in jaw or ear. It is important to listen to your body and take it easy. No heavy lifting, spitting, sucking, alcohol or smoking.

Discomfort: Over-the-counter pain medication (Ibuprofen, Aleve, and Tylenol) may be taken as directed on the bottle to relieve discomfort. If pain medication is prescribed, use as needed as directed. Avoid using Aspirin which could cause bleeding to restart. The discomfort should be improving with each passing day. If the discomfort increases after the first 3 days contact the office as this may be a sign of a dry socket and require an additional visit to treat.

Bleeding: Some oozing of blood is normal for the first 12–24 hours. If you experience excessive bleeding, apply firm pressure with 1–2 folded gauze pads or a damp tea bag on the affected area for 30–60 minutes and keep your head elevated. Call the office if the bleeding does not subside.

Stitches: If you have received sutures, avoid playing with them. Most stitches will resorb and come out after 3–7 days. If non-resorbable sutures were used your dentist will schedule a short follow up appointment to remove them after 7–10 days.

Swelling: As needed apply cold compresses to the affected area at 10-minute intervals for the first 24 hours to minimize swelling. Any swelling that occurs usually begins to diminish within 72 hours; call the office if there is no change.

Diet: It is not advised to eat while your mouth is still numb. For the first 1–2 days a soft diet is recommended. Avoid eating or drinking very hot foods or beverages which could cause the bleeding to start again. Drink plenty of fluids. It is normal to have a little tenderness while chewing and difficulty opening wide initially.

Oral hygiene: On the first day brush teeth as normal except around extraction or surgical site. After the first day you can resume brushing the site gently. After the first day a solution of warm salt water can also be used to rinse gently. Avoid mouthwash for the first several days which could irritate surgical site. Do not use a waterpik in the area of the surgical site for at least two weeks.

Prescriptions: If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed until they are all gone, even if symptoms dissipate. Some antibiotics can interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills or other medications. If pain medication or a mouth rinse is prescribed, take as directed.

In case of any unusual disturbances, questions or any post-surgical problems, please call the office at (808) 244-0474.