• Immediately following a tooth extraction, keep pressure on gauze until bleeding stops, 30-45 minutes. Repeat if necessary. If heavy bleeding continues, call your dentist.
• Do not smoke, rinse your mouth vigorously, or drink through a straw for 24 hours. These activities will disturb the healing blood clot.
• Do not suck on extraction site.
• Immediately after a tooth is extracted, you may experience some discomfort and notice some swelling.
• To reduce swelling, place ice packs on the side of your face off and on for 24 to 48 hours.
• Reduce strenuous activity for 24 hours.
• Drink plenty of fluids and maintain as normal a diet as possible which may be limited to soft foods for the first few days.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages and hot liquids.
• Brush and floss as normal being extra careful around extraction area.
• On the following day gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (112tsp. in one glass of water).
• Depending on your situation, medication may be prescribed to help control pain and infection.
• If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding or fever, call your dentist.