Instructions following Extractions


  1. Place cold towels or an ice bag to your face for the first 6-8 hours. Leave it on 15 minutes, then off for 15 minutes.
  2. Do not rinse mouth until the following day.
  3. 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.
  4. Keep fingers and tongue away from socket.
  5. BLEEDING - it is normal for the saliva to be slightly streaked with blood for about 1-2 days. If abnormal bleeding occurs, place a piece of moist gauze over extraction site and bite down for 30-45 minutes.
  6. Following dental surgery it is normal to experience some discomfort. If medication has been prescribed, take as instructed.
  7. SWELLING & STIFFNESS - is normal and should not cause alarm. Apply cold towels or ice bag for 15 minutes of each hour is needed.
  8. DIET. A liquid or soft diet is advisable during the first 24 hours. Drink lots of liquids.
  9. Return to office if undue symptoms develop.