Forms

Post-Extraction / Surgical Instructions

Please Call Us With Any Concerns
(905) 852-2122

Bleeding

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • DO call us if you cannot get the bleeding to stop, particularly if you are on an anticoagulant.

  • 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.

  • DON’T sleep with the gauze in your mouth; take it out before you go to bed.

Eating and Drinking

  • 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.

  • DON’T worry about getting food stuck in the extraction site (“hole”).

  • DON’T use a straw (this action can dislodge the necessary blood clot).

  • DON’T eat food that requires chewing, while your mouth is still “frozen”.

  • DON’T drink alcohol for 48 hours.

Medications

  • DO take the medications, as prescribed by our office.

  • 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.

  • DON’T expect the pain medication to take away all the pain; it usually just takes the edge off.

  • DON’T drive or operate dangerous machinery while taking a narcotic medication.

Oral Hygiene

  • DO rinse with warm salt water: mix 1 teaspoon of table salt in 8 oz of warm water, but…

  • DON’T rinse until at least 24 hours after your procedure.

  • DON’T worry about brushing your teeth in the first 24 hours after your procedure.

  • DON’T use any harsh mouthwashes, they slow the healing process.

  • 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.