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Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

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Here are some instructions to follow

after you have a tooth extracted

1. Leave the gauze in your mouth in place for at least 10 minutes. Keep a firm but steady pressure on the gauze and when you remove it, remove it GENTLY without disturbing the blood clot. Place another gauze if necessary for another 10 minutes or so. A little oozing is normal, but we want a blood clot to form. If the bleeding persists, you can bite on a 'tea bag' instead of the gauze.

2. If needed, place an ice bag or a COLD towel on your face over the operated area for a few hours. This will help prevent excess swelling. The earlier this is started the more effective it will be. You may remove the cold pack 15 minutes every hour it necessary for your comfort.

3. Do not rinse your mouth today. Rinsing may dislodge the blood clot and interrupt the normal process of healing. You are encouraged however, to drink (swallow) fluids today. But no swishing! Also no smoking for at least 24 hours. Smoking will not let the normal healing process to take place.

4. Spit as little as possible. (Blood cannot clot if you are constantly spitting it out.) If abnormal bleeding occurs, fold a sponge or 'tea bag', place it over the socket and bite down for 30 minutes with even pressure. If abnormal bleeding persists, don't hesitate to call.

5. On the day following surgery rinse your mouth GENTLY after each meal with WARM salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). This should also be done at bedtime. It should be emphasized that this rinsing be done gently. Rinsing with a mouth wash four times per day is also recommended.

6. Follow your own inclinations as to diet, but for your own comfort soft foods or liquids are indicated for the first 24-48 hours. Keep up your food intake and drink plenty of fluids.

7. The teeth should be given their usual care except in the region of surgery.

8. Please carefully follow the directions on any prescriptions you may have been given.

9. Occasionally there is numbness following a difficult extraction. This numbness may last for several weeks or longer, but is almost always temporary.

10. Small pieces of bone may work their way out through the gum following an extraction. This normal and usually requires no treatment.

11. If suture removal is necessary, please be advised that this is a painless process. Please be sure you make an appointment for a postoperative checkup.