After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That’s why the doctor may ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing persists, insert another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times. If you do not feel like you can stop the bleeding, please call the office at (267) 961-5884 or go to the Emergency room.

• Do not rinse or spit for 48 hours after surgery.

• Keep your fingers and tongue away from the socket or surgical area.

• Use ice packs on the surgical area (side of face) for the first 48 hours; apply ice 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off. (Note: Bags of frozen peas work well.)

• For mild discomfort, take Tylenol® or ibuprofen every 6 hours.

• Drink plenty of fluids. 

• Avoid strenuous activity and do not exercise for at least 3–4 days after surgery. After that, be careful: your regular caloric and fluid intake have been reduced, so you may get light-headed, dizzy, or weak.

• After 48 hours use a warm salt water rinse following meals for the first week to flush out particles of food and debris that may lodge in the surgical area. (Mix ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. 

• No hard gargling; just soft swishes

• Your diet should consist mainly of soft, easily swallowed foods and cool drinks. Avoid anything that might get stuck in your teeth, so no seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, or similar foods. 

• Bone graft will be covered and sutured but tiny granules may come out during the healing process(it will feel like sand)

• You may brush your teeth day of procedure just avoid brushing the extraction site; After 24 hours you may begin very gently brushing around the extraction site to keep clean 

• NO SMOKING

• NO STRAWS

• NO SPITTING

• NO MOUTHWASH

• NO WATER FLOSSER