• Do not disturb the wound.
• If surgical packing was placed, leave it alone.
• The packing helps to keep the tooth exposed.
• If it gets dislodged or falls out, do not get alarmed but please contact our office for instructions.

Bleeding

• Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24 hours.
• Excessive bleeding that rapidly fills your mouth with blood can frequently be controlled by biting with pressure on a gauze pad placed directly on the bleeding wound for 30 minutes.
• If bleeding continues, please call for further instructions.

Swelling

• Swelling is a normal occurrence after surgery.
• To minimize swelling apply an ice bag or a plastic bag filled with ice cubes on your cheek near the area of surgery.
• Apply the ice as much as possible for the first 36 hours.

Diet

• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid hot liquids or hard foods.
• Only consume soft food and liquids on the day of surgery.
• Return to a normal diet as soon as possible unless otherwise directed.

Pain

• You should begin taking pain medication as soon as you feel the local anesthetic wearing off.
• For moderate pain, one or two tablets of Tylenol or Extra Strength Tylenol may be taken every 3-4 hours.
• Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) may be taken instead of Tylenol.
• Ibuprofen bought over the counter comes in 200 mg tablets: 2-3 tablets may be taken four times daily, not to exceed 3200mg daily for an adult.
• Consult our practice for individuals under 18.
• Do not take the two medications at the same time.


• For severe pain, the prescribed medication should be taken as directed.
• Do not take any of the above medication if you are allergic to them, or have been instructed by your doctor not to take it.
• Do not drive an automobile or work around machinery.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages.
• Pain or discomfort following surgery should subside more and more every day.
• If pain persists, it may require attention and you should call the office.

Oral Hygiene

• Oral cleanliness is essential to good healing.
• Clean your mouth thoroughly after each meal, beginning the day after surgery.
• Brush your teeth normally if possible.
• Rinse with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) six times a day.
• Continue this procedure until healing is complete.


• REMEMBER: A clean wound heals better and faster.

Activity

• Keep physical activities to a minimum immediately following surgery.
• If you exercise, throbbing or bleeding may occur.
• If this occurs, you should discontinue exercising.
• Be aware that your normal nourishment intake is reduced.
• Exercise may weaken you.
• If you get light headed, stop exercising.