Instructions Following Extraction
(Or Other Oral Surgical Procedures)

Bleeding

Bite down on a sterile pad for half an hour.  If active bleeding has not stopped or decreased considerably, use a fresh gauze pad for an additional 30 minutes.  If bleeding should recur, bite down on a gauze pad that has been dipped in ice water, or moistened tea bag.  Slight oozing for 24 hours is normal.

Pain

Some discomfort may be experienced following oral surgical procedures.  Two Tylenol or aspirin tablets every four hours will usually relieve discomfort.  If greater discomfort is anticipated a prescription will be given.

Mouth Rinses

Do NOT rinse your mouth the day of extraction.  The following day, use a salt solution (one quarter teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water) every three hours to cleanse the affected area.

Swelling

Some swelling of the jaw may be noticed.  Do not be alarmed by this reaction of the tissues to surgery.  Apply an ice bag or a towel wrapped around cracked ice to the affected area for a 15 minute interval.  Remove for 15 minutes.  Repeat this procedure for the 24 hour following surgery.  Swelling may cause some limitation of opening the mouth for several days.

Eating

Do not eat until numbness is gone.  Soft food is desirable for the period immediately following your visit.  Chew solid food on opposite side of the mouth for 24 hours. Do NOT go without nourishment!

Activity

Actions creating pressure in the mouth should not be done the day of extraction (this includes smoking, spitting, drinking through a straw, and rinsing).  Refrain, also, from all strenuous activities for 24 hours as they interfere with initial healing.

In case of severe pain, excessive bleeding, or unusual development, do not hesitate to call the office or the emergency number given on the recording.

M.J. Reider, DDS • 423 Waterfall Drive, Elkhart, IN 46516 • Office phone (574) 293-6342