Instructions Following Dental Extractions
For the 24-hour period immediately following surgery.
BLEEDING:
- Retain the gauze pack in the mouth for the time specified by your dentist. Should bleeding exist at bedtime, place another gauze pack over the wound and retain overnight. Discoloration of the saliva by a small amount of oozing blood from the socket is normal.
COLD PACK:
- DO NOT USE HEAT. If you desire, you may apply an ice pack over the area for 20 minutes every hour for 3 to 4 hours.
PAIN:
- Follow the directions of your dentists’ prescription, or take two aspirin tablets every four hours as needed for pain. Destroy any medication prescribed and not used.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS:
- Do not rinse the mouth, no smoking. No alcoholic beverages. Do not touch the surgical area with your fingers. Do not suck on the socket, and do not use straws to drink.
DIET:
- A light diet is advisable during this 24-hour period. DO NOT EAT FOOD, which may get into the surgical wound, such as poppy seed, popcorn or peanuts. Generally, keep food away from surgical wound.
RINSING:
- After 24 hours following surgery.
IF NOT ON SALT FREE DIET:
- Rinse the mouth freely with a solution of salt water, using ½ teaspoon of salt in a full glass of warm water. Rinse four times a day, after meals and before bedtime.
IF ON A SALT FREE DIET:
- Rinse the mouth freely as above, but with plain water.
SWELLING:
- Moderate swelling during this period can be expected. If there is increasing pain, swelling or bleeding, return to the office for treatment.
In case of unusual symptoms, call the office at once.