INSTRUCTIONS AFTER EXTRACTIONS

SWELLING.  It is normal after teeth have been extracted and should not cause alarm.  Place cold towels or an ice bag to your face for the first day.  Leave it on 15 minutes, then off for 15 minutes.

HYGIENE.  Do not rinse mouth until the following day.  On the morning following surgery, rinse mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt to a glass of warm water).  Repeat this several times daily (especially after eating)> It is okay to brush your teeth gently, however, stay away from the extraction sites.

PAIN.  Some pain following the procedure is normal.  Take prescriptions as advised.  If no special drug is prescribed, take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed on the package label.

BLEEDING.  It is normal for the saliva to be slightly streaked with blood for about one day.  If abnormal bleeding occurs, place a piece of moist cotton or gauze over extraction site and bite down for 15 minutes.  Also recommended: the use of a moist tea bag on the extraction site and biting down on it with light pressure.

DIET.  A liquid diet is advisable during the first 24 hours.  Drink lots of fluids.  It is best to avoid eating until the numbness has worn off.

GENERAL.  No smoking, drinking of alcohol, or drinking through straws for the first 24 hours.  This can cause further bleeding and other more painful complications.

REMEMBER. Return to the office or call us if undue symptoms develop.