Forms
Post-Extraction / Surgical Instructions
Please Call Us With Any Concerns
(905) 852-2122
Bleeding
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DO use gauze or a freshly wet (wrung-out) tea bag to completely cover the extraction site, and bite down gently on the gauze (or moist tea bag) for 30 minutes.
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DO note that a small amount of blood mixed with a larger amount of saliva can make it look more dramatic than it is. A little oozing from the surgical site is normal the day of the surgery.
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DO call us if you cannot get the bleeding to stop, particularly if you are on an anticoagulant.
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DON’T rinse your mouth in the first 24 hours after the surgery. Rinsing can dislodge the blood clot at the surgical site (that we want to form), and bleeding will continue / start again if you are rinsing.
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DON’T sleep with the gauze in your mouth; take it out before you go to bed.
Eating and Drinking
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DO eat soft foods like ice cream, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, apple sauce, yogurt, especially if you are recovering from a general anesthetic and have not eaten in several hours.
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DON’T worry about getting food stuck in the extraction site (“hole”).
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DON’T use a straw (this action can dislodge the necessary blood clot).
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DON’T eat food that requires chewing, while your mouth is still “frozen”.
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DON’T drink alcohol for 48 hours.
Medications
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DO take the medications, as prescribed by our office.
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DON’T continue to take these medications if you think you may be having a reaction. Call us or your Pharmacist immediately, if you are unsure.
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DON’T expect the pain medication to take away all the pain; it usually just takes the edge off.
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DON’T drive or operate dangerous machinery while taking a narcotic medication.
Oral Hygiene
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DO rinse with warm salt water: mix 1 teaspoon of table salt in 8 oz of warm water, but…
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DON’T rinse until at least 24 hours after your procedure.
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DON’T worry about brushing your teeth in the first 24 hours after your procedure.
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DON’T use any harsh mouthwashes, they slow the healing process.
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DON’T SMOKE! – at least for 48 hours. A blood clot needs to form to ensure proper healing. Smoking / Vaping will dislodge the clot, leading to a dry socket, which is extremely painful.