Do:
- Rest – try to avoid anything that elevates your heart rate
- Bite gauze pad to apply constant pressure for 45-60 minutes at a time and then change the gauze. Repeat 3-4 times, or until the bleeding has decreased
- Keep the mouth and surgical site clean. Continue to brush the entire mouth but be very gentle around the surgical site
- Eat soft, nutritious foods until the socket has healed, while avoiding hot or spicy food and drink
- Rinse with warm salt water to make sure socket is kept clean and to encourage healing
- Place cold compresses on extraction areas to minimize swelling
- Follow the pain control regimen given by your dentist
- Sleep with an extra pillow behind your head and keep it elevated above your heart
Do not:
- Disturb any sutures, if present
- Disturb the wound in any way, especially with your finger or tongue
- Smoke for 2-3 days if possible
- Drink through a straw
- Use mouth rinse that contains alcohol
If you are experiencing severe pain or bleeding for more than 2 days after and extraction, please contact our office to speak to your dentist.