DO NOT DISTURB THE AREA: Especially the first 24 hours, it is very important to allow your body to form a good clot and start the natural healing process. Swishing, sucking through a straw, and chewing on the operated side can all dislodge the clot.
BLEEDING: When you leave the office, you might be biting on a gauze pad to control bleeding. Keep slight pressure on this gauze for at least 30 minutes before removing. You may bite on more gauze or a tea bag for another 30 minutes if necessary.
SMOKING: Should be stopped following surgery to aid healing and prevent dislodging the clot which causes a painful dry socket.
PAIN: To minimize pain, take the prescription medication OR two Naproxen, Advil, or similar non-aspirin pain reliever, before the numbness wears off, every 3 to 4 hours until bedtime to maintain comfort.
NAUSEA: Usually caused by taking medications on an empty stomach. Take medication with soft food and a glass of water.
SWELLING: An ice pack applied 15 minutes on and off to surgical area for the first day will reduce swelling.
NUMBNESS: The local anesthetic will cause you to be numb for several hours after you leave the office. Be very careful not to bite, chew, pinch, or scratch the numb area. Sometimes there is residual numbness or tingling for six weeks or longer.
BRUSHING: You may brush your teeth gently 8 hours after surgery but avoid the area of surgery for 3 days.
RINSING: Avoid rinsing vigorously for 24 hours after extraction to prevent disturbing the formation of a healing blood clot. This could cause bleeding and risk of dry socket. After 24 hours you may begin gentle rinsing with water.
DIET: Eat soft foods for the first two days only. Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol for 48 hours.
ACTIVITY: Rest and avoid strenuous activities for the remainder of the day. Keeping blood pressure lower will reduce bleeding.
ANTIBIOTICS: Take all of them as directed until they are gone. Women: some antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Use alternate birth control methods for two months.