| 1. |
Leave the gauze in your mouth in place for at
least 30 minutes. Keep a firm but steady pressure on the gauze and when you remove it,
remove it GENTLY without disturbing the blood clot. |
| 2. |
Place an ice bag or a COLD
towel on your face over the operated area from 4-6 hours. This will help prevent excess
swelling. The earlier this is started the more effective it will be. You may remove the
cold pack 15 minutes every hour it necessary for your comfort. |
| 3. |
Do not rinse your mouth today. Rinsing may
dislodge the blood clot and interrupt the normal process of healing. You are encouraged
however, to drink (swallow) fluids today. |
| 4. |
Spit as little as possible. (Blood cannot
clot if you are constantly spitting it out.) If abnormal bleeding occurs, fold a sponge,
wet it, place it over the socket and bite down for 30 minutes with even pressure. If
abnormal bleeding persists, don't hesitate to call. |
| 5. |
On the day following surgery rinse your mouth
GENTLY after each meal with WARM salt water (1/2
teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). This should also be done at bedtime. It should
be emphasized that this rinsing be done gently. Rinsing with a mouth wash four times per
day is also recommended. In addition, DISCONTINUE ICE,
and start warm heat (warm moist towels) to the operative area. |
| 6. |
Follow your own inclinations as to diet, but
for your own comfort soft foods or liquids are indicated for the first 24-48 hours. Keep
up your food intake and drink plenty of fluids. |
| 7. |
The teeth should be given their usual care
except in the region of surgery. |
| 8. |
Please carefully follow the directions on any
prescriptions you may have been given. |
| 9. |
Occasionally there is numbness following a
difficult extraction. This numbness may last for several weeks or longer, but is almost
always temporary. |
| 10. |
Small pieces of bone may work their way out
through the gum following an extraction. This normal and usually requires no treatment. |
| 11. |
If suture removal is necessary, please be
advised that this is a painless process. Please be sure you make an appointment for a
postoperative checkup. |
| 12. |
If you have any difficulties, call me. My
interest in you does not end with the completion of the surgery. |
