Instructions for Extractions and Oral Surgery

You will most likely experience one or more of the following symptoms: Minor pain, swelling, bruising, limitation in opening or closing your mouth, pain in jaw or ear, sore throat. No heavy lifting, spitting or sucking.

• Oral Hygiene: Brush gently. A gentle lukewarm water rinse can be used the following morning (1/2 teaspoon salt to a glass of warm water). Repeat several times a day. Do not spit; let the fluid passively empty. The corners of your mouth may become cracked and dry – moisturize frequently.
• Discomfort: If you have been prescribed pain medication, take as directed. Over-the-counter pain medication (Ibuprofen, Aleve and Tylenol) may also be taken as directed on the bottle to relieve discomfort.
• Swelling: Apply cold compresses to affected area in 15-minute intervals for the first 6-8 hours to minimize swelling. Any swelling that occurs usually begins to diminish within 72 hours.
• Bleeding: Some oozing of blood is normal for the first 12-24 hours. Put a hand towel on your pillow as some drooling can occur. If you experience excessive bleeding, apply firm pressure with 1-2 folded gauze or damp tea bag on the affected area for 30-60 minutes and keep your head elevated.
• Diet: Drink plenty of fluids.
  A soft diet will be easiest: ie. yogurt, milkshakes (no straw), soups, fish, pasta.
  Nothing too spicy or hot is recommended.
  It is normal to have a little tenderness while chewing and difficulty opening wide.
• Stitches: If you have received sutures, avoid playing with them. Keep your fingers and tongue away from the socket. Sutures will fall off/ dissolve on their own in 1-2 weeks.
• Prescriptions: If you have been prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed until they are completely gone, even if symptoms have dissipated. If you received a medicated mouth rinse, Chlorhexidine, use as directed starting 24-48 hours after your procedure.