After tooth extraction, it's important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That's why we ask you to bite on a gauze pad for 45 minutes after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing persists, insert another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times.

If you received a bone graft or implant we ask that in addition to the below instructions you also moisten the surgical area and teeth adjacent with a Q-tip dipped into the oral rinse bottle provided 4-5 times a day for 1 week while the site heals.

• Do not rinse with mouthwash for the week following the surgery, in particularly Listerine! Don't spit for 24 hours after surgery.
• Keep your fingers and tongue away from the socket or surgical area.
• Use ice packs on the surgical area (side of face) for the first 48 hours; apply ice 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off. (Note: Bags of frozen peas work well.)
• Drink plenty of fluids. (Do not use a straw - this creates suction in the mouth that could cause complications.)
• We suggest that you do not smoke for at least 5 days after surgery.
• Avoid strenuous activity and do not exercise for at least 3-4 days after surgery. After that, be careful: your regular caloric and fluid intake have been reduced, so you may get light-headed, dizzy, or weak.
• If the muscles of the jaw become stiff, the use of warm moist heat to the outside of your face over the spots that are stiff will relax these muscles.
• Your diet should consist mainly of soft, easily swallowed foods and cool drinks. Avoid anything that might get stuck in your teeth, so no seeds, nuts, rice, popcorn, or similar foods. We recommend noodles, soup, protein shakes, apple sauce and lots of Ice Cream!
• Pain Management: For almost all dental surgeries, we find patients stay out of pain best by using a combination of Tylenol and Ibuprofen. The recommended dose is to be taken together:
  • 3 tablets of Ibuprofen (200 mgs each)
  • 1 Tablet of Tylenol (500 mg)

  We recommend taking this dose every 5-6 hours for the first 24-48 hours. It's easier to stay out of pain than get out of pain so stay on top of the meds, even if you feel good for the first few days. Following 48 hours post op, you can start eliminating the Tylenol and slowly taper off taking the Ibuprofen 1 pill at a time based on how you are feeling.