Care of Mouth After Extraction
BLEEDING To control bleeding, bite firmly on the gauze for about 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, place folded gauze pad over the area and bite down firmly for another one-half hour. repeat as neccessary
SWELLING Use ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in a towel to help control swelling. Apply to area as soon as you get home and alternate periods of 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off the first 12 hours if needed.
PAIN For mild to moderate pain, take two non-aspirin pain relievers, (e.g. Tylenol, Advil, Nuprin) as soon as you get home; then take two tablets every hour hours as needed.
DIET Maintain an adequate diet by eating soft foods for the first 24 hours. Avoid hard crisp foods such as chips. Examples of soft foods are spaghetti, scrambled eggs, custards, Jell-o, baked potatoes, soups.
BONY EDGES Small sharp bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing. These are not roots. If annoying, return to the office for their simple removal.
The proper care following oral surgical procedures will hasten rocovery and prevent complications