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Oral Surgery

  • Smoking should be avoided for the first 48 hours.
  • Keep fingers and tongue away from the extraction site.
  • Bite on gauze to keep pressure on the area for an
  • Care needs to be taken not to remove the blood clot that will form in the socket that acts as a natural band aid for protection of the underlyibone. To prevent this from happening, do not cause suction or negative pressure in your mouth for at least 48 hrs. This can be caused from smoking, sucking on a straw, or spitting. Also avoid strenuous exercise to prevent an increase in heart rate, which may also dislodge the blood clot.
  • If after 3 days pain persists or gets worse, or if you notice a bad taste in your mouth, call the office immediately as we may need to treat you for dry socket.
  • Eating is permissible after about 6 hours. Try not to get food stuck in the socket.
  • Rinse gently with warm salt water daily for a few days, after 48 hours.
  • It’s normal to feel some discomfort in the area after the anesthetic wears off and you may alternate Tylenol and Ibuprofen if necessary. If the discomfort becomes increasingly painful, please contact the dentist.
  • Bleeding – It is normal for the saliva to be red for a day. Sleep with a towel over your pillow for the first night. If recurrent bleeding is present, fold sterile gauze or a new tea bag and wet it. Place it into the bleeding area and bite on it firmly for 20 minutes.
  • Swelling and brushing – This is to be expected in certain areas reaching a maximum of up to 2-3 days after surgery. An ice pack can be placed over the swelling for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off. It will disappear gradually and is no cause for concern.

Please contact our office first if you have any questions or concerns at 250-763-3338.