Discomfort

• Follow instructions carefully to avoid unnecessary discomfort. Some discomfort is normal and to be expected. The level and duration varies between patients.
• Take the prescribed or recommended pain medications as directed.

Rest

• Rest quietly with your head elevated for the remainder of the day.
• Always get up slowly from a reclining position to prevent dizziness.
• Limit physical activity as if you have a cold or the flu.
• To encourage rapid healing please REST!

Ice

• As soon as possible, place an ice pack on your face over the surgical area; 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
• Use the ice pack for the first 6 hours following surgery. This will contribute to your comfort and minimize swelling.
• Moist heat may be applied the day following surgery for added comfort.

Medication

• Ideally, pain medication should be taken BEFORE numbness wears off.
• If an antibiotic was prescribed, take it as directed until it is ALL GONE.
• Some pain medications may cause lightheadedness. Lying down will help this.
• Some medications may cause an upset stomach. Taking these with food will lessen this side-effect.

Mouth Care

• Do not brush, floss, rinse and spit the day of surgery as it can dislodge the clot that has formed in the extraction site.
• Begin rinsing very gently with Chlorhexidine mouth-rinse 24 hours after your surgery.
• You may begin to brush NON-SURGICAL areas the day following surgery. Remember to rinse very gently. You may begin brushing the surgical areas 1 week after surgery.
• When brushing the surgical area, run your toothbrush under hot water first to soften the bristles.

Eating

• Maintain a balanced diet.
• Eat softer foods such as pasta, eggs, yogurt, baked potatoes or hot cereal.
• Avoid extremes: very hot, very cold, acidic foods, also hard or crunchy foods.
• Avoid the use of alcohol for 2 days after the surgery or until you are no longer taking medication.

Fluids

• Fluids should be consumed as soon as possible. It is recommended that you drink 6-8 glasses of water over the remainder of the day following surgery.
• Avoid using a straw as it may cause a suction, which may loosen the blood clot and cause bleeding.

Bleeding

• Slight bleeding from the surgery area is normal, however, extensive bleeding should not occur. If such bleeding should occur, apply firm pressure with moist gauze or a moistened tea bag to the area for 20 minutes.
• If bleeding does not subside, please call! 727-799-6733

Swelling

• Some swelling often occurs and this is normal.
• However, if swelling seems excessive and is accompanied by fever, please call immediately. 727-799-6733

Smoking

• We strongly advise NOT SMOKING after surgery. Smoking delays the healing, increases discomfort, and may encourage bleeding and infection in the surgical site.