Instructions after extractions

1. Place cold towels or an ice bag to your face for the first six to eight hours.  Leave it on 15 minutes, then off 15 minutes.

2. Do not rinse mouth until the following day.

3. On the morning following surgery, rinse mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt to a glass of warm water).  Repeat this several times daily.

4.Keep fingers and tongue away from socket.

5.  Bleeding- it is normal for the saliva to be slightly streaked with blood for about 1-2 days.  If abnormal bleeding occurs, place a piece of moist gauze over extraction site and bite own for 30-45 minutes.

6. Following dental surgery it is normal to experience some discomfort.  If medication has been prescribed, take as instructed.

7.Swelling and stiffness-is normal and should not cause alarm.  Apply cold towels or ice bag for 15 minutes of each hour as needed.

8.Diet- A soft or liquid diet is advisable during the first 24 hours.  Drink lots of fluids.

9. Return to office if undue symptoms develop.