AFTER YOUR EXTRACTIONS

1)      NO SMOKING TODAY: Avoid smoking the rest of the day to help prevent infection.

2)      NO SPITTING TODAY: Spitting (or sucking) prolongs bleeding after an extraction. For today, if you wish to rinse out your mouth, simply hold your mouth open and allow the liquid to spill out into the sink.

3)      BLEEDING: Continue biting on cotton for about an hour after your extraction, then discard the cotton and check the extraction site. If significant bleeding still continues, place a new piece of slightly moistened cotton over the area and continue firmly biting on it for another 30 minutes before checking again. Repeat this step until the bleeding stops. If the bleeding has not slowed significantly after 2 hours, try gently biting on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, call our office.

4)      RINSE STARTING TOMORROW: Starting tomorrow, rinsing several times a day is recommended to keep the extraction site free of debris until it heals closed. Plain water or salt water is acceptable for rinsing, although a 50/50 mixture of peroxide and water is preferred following difficult or multiple extractions.

5)      SWELLING: Some swelling for the first 2-3 days after a difficult or surgical extraction is not unusual. If swelling is accompanied by a sore throat or fever, becomes greatly enlarged or has not gone down significantly after 3 days, please call our office.

6)      PAIN: Some discomfort is normal for the first day or two following any extraction, including soreness of the joint if prolonged wide opening was necessary.  This discomfort can generally be controlled by taking aspirin.  If this is not sufficient, the doctor will gladly prescribe a stronger medication.

7)      MEDICATIONS:  Follow exactly the instructions on any medications the Dr. has prescribed for you. If you develop a rash or experience difficulty breathing following the use of any medication, discontinue use immediately and call our office. Pain medications may produce drowsiness and should not be taken if you will be working around dangerous equipment or driving.  They may also cause nausea if taken on an empty stomach so you are advised to take them with milk or food

8)      EATING: Don’t chew any hard or sharp foods near the area of the extraction. If this area is hard to avoid, eat softer foods for a few days.

9)      SUTURES:  If you have stitches placed, you should return to our office in 7-10 days to have them removed.