You
will be leaving with gauze to bite on. Keep this
gauze in place for 30 minutes. After this time
gently remove and discard this gauze. Replace it
with another (two gauze folded in quarters). Bite on
this gauze for another 30 minutes, then gently remove
and discard.
Keep PRESSURE on a gauze until
the bleeding stops. If HEAVY bleeding continues for more than an hour call
us. We always give you extra gauze.
It is useful to apply pressure and a cold pack to reduce swelling. This can be applied to the outside of the mouth but make sure any local
anesthetic has worn off or you may get frost bite. Never use a hot compress as this will increase the swelling.
It is normal to find a little bleeding, even
for a couple days. To help stop oozing, you can take a tea bag, wet it,
squeeze all the water out, place it over the extraction area and bite on it
for 20 minutes. The tannic acid in the tea constricts tiny blood vessels in the wound and helps to form a
clot and stop the bleeding.
Avoid alcohol beverages and hot liquids for 24
hours. These beverages will make the wound bleed more.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Try to eat soft, nutritious foods for the next
few meals.
Reduce strenuous activity for 24 hours.
On the following day gently
rinse your mouth with warm salt water (1/4 - 1/2 tsp. salt in 5 ounces of
water) after every meal for two to three days.
It is normal to experience some discomfort,
and to notice a little swelling.
If you have received a prescription for pain
or an antibiotic, please take the medication as directed.
If you have been directed to use an ice pack,
please follow the instructions.
Place an old towel
on your pillow to prevent any blood spots.
DON’T
Do not smoke, a minimum of 24 hours, better if
not for 48 hours.
Do not rinse vigorously for one week.
Do not drink through a straw for one week.
For the first day after the operation do not rinse, poke or brush the area of surgery.
Do not suck on
candy, mints, etc. for at least one week.
Do not spit
vigorously.
If you have prolonged/severe pain,
bleeding, swelling, or fever, call - don't wait.
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Disclaimer: The materials on my web site are not intended as a substitute for professional dental / medical advice, and accordingly you should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. I may change or update information contained on this web site without notice to represent recent developments in health care.
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