For the first 24 hours following an extraction:
Do not rinse your mouth after your surgery. The following day, rinse your mouth gently every three to four hours, especially after meals, using one-quarter teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Continue rinses for several days.
Following extractions, some bleeding is to be expected. When you leave the office, continue to bite down on moist gauze pads for 30 minutes. Change the pads every 30 - 45 minutes or as needed to control bleeding. If persistent bleeding continues, don't hesitate to call Dr. Pointer.
A bag of chopped ice that’s wrapped in a towel should be applied to the operated area. Use it one half hour on and one half hour off for four or five hours after your procedure. Some swelling is normal. If you experience extreme or prolonged swelling, please contact the office.
For mild to average pain, use any non-aspirin medication, such as Tylenol. If a pain medication has been prescribed for you, please take it according to the directions.
Maintain an adequate diet by eating soft foods for the first 24 hours after your extraction. Avoid hard, crisp foods such as chips. Examples of soft foods are spaghetti, scrambled eggs, custards, Jell-o, baked potatoes, and soup.
Small, sharp bone fragments may work up through the gums during healing. These are not roots. If this is annoying for you, return to the office for their simple removal.
If any unusual symptoms occur, call our Fort Worth dental office immediately at 817 737-2531. The proper care following oral surgical procedures will hasten recovery and prevent complications.
