Tooth Extraction

1. BLEEDING: Bite down on gauze firmly holding it in place for 30 - 45 minutes. NO heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 24 hours.
   (If bleeding continues, you may fold a wet tea bag in half and bite down on it. - Tea has Tannic Acid, a styptic which may help
   reduce bleeding)
2. PAIN: Some discomfort is normal in the first few days, but should slowly improve. Prescriptions will be given if necessary, and
   analgesic tablets (Tylenol/Advil etc.) may be taken under dentist instruction. If pain continues or worsens, call the dentist office.
3. SWELLING: To prevent/alleviate swelling, apply an ice pack or cold towel to the outside of your face in the area of extraction in
   the first 12 hours. Apply in intervals of 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
   
4. NO SMOKING/ALCOHOL: for a minimum of 4 DAYS. Both can promote bleeding and disrupt the healing process.
   
5. NO SPITTING/DRINKING THROUGH STRAW: Spitting creates a suction in your mouth that can disrupt the healing process, and
   drinking through a straw is the reverse force of spitting that can also cause a disruption in the healing process causing dry socket.
   
6. BRUSHING/MOUTHWASH: Do not brush for the first 8 hours after surgery. Avoid all mouth rinses for 24 hours after extraction.
   You may use warm salt water after 24 hours, normal mouthwash may be used again after 7 days.
   
7. DO NOT DISTURB WOUND: Chew on the opposite side for at least 24 hours to keep anything from entering the wound.
   
8. STITCHES: They are dissolving, and are only to help with initial healing, they can come out in 3 - 7 days.
   
9. DIET: Cold, soft food such as ice cream or yogurt may be the most comfortable for the first day. Warm/ room temperature food in
   the following days. Eat regular meals as soon as you are able to. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids.
   
10. IMMEDIATE DENTURES: Must be worn for 2 days and 2 nights without them being removed. On night 3 you can remove the
    dentures overnight and just wear them throughout the day.
    
11. RINSE: In the evening rinse with warm salt water with the dentures in, and for the next 5 - 7 days.