After extractions, bleeding can last up to 24 hours, with the heaviest bleeding occurring within the first 2-3 hours. Use gauze to apply firm pressure on the surgical area(s) to protect the blood clot. Replace the gauze every 45 minutes to an hour until it turns light pink or bleeding stops. Once bleeding has ceased, remove the gauze. Avoid sleeping with gauze in your mouth and discontinue use after the surgery day. If bleeding persists, moisten a tea bag and apply firm pressure for another 45 minutes to an hour. If bleeding continues, contact our office.

Swelling is normal after dental treatment. To minimize swelling, keep your head elevated over the few days following treatment. Lying flat can cause more swelling. Expect swelling and discomfort to peak 48 hours after surgery.

• Ice packs or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel should be placed on the outside of the cheeks for intervals of 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off. Cold should be used for the first 48 hours.

• Switch to a warm compress after 48 hours with the same intervals of 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off.

Post appointment discomfort is normal and differs depending on the patient as well as what treatment is completed. Typically, discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen or Tylenol. If pain persists or gets worse, please contact our office at 920-983-8383.

If an antibiotic was given, please take as directed. Antibiotics can reduce the levels of healthy bacteria. Take a probiotic or consume probiotic rich foods such as yogurt.

Adequate food and fluid intake following surgery is important. Please eat whatever is comfortable to you; however you may find that softer foods are easier (e.g., Jell-O, pudding, applesauce, ice cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, noodles, etc.).

If you are required to be on a no-chew diet, you would have been given instructions by your Doctor or his assistant.

A clean mouth heals faster.

Do not rinse or spit the day of surgery. You can brush the day of surgery with a wet toothbrush, no toothpaste. Brush as normal the next day. Be gentle in the extraction sites as they may be tender for a few days following surgery. Brush as well as you can and rinse with salt water to aid in healing (1/2 teaspoon table salt in 8 oz warm water) 2-3 times per day. The use of commercial mouth wash is not recommended during the healing period.

Due to the enormous amount of bacteria or germs in the oral cavity, infections do sometimes occur following oral surgery. They usually can be treated simply and rarely reoccur. To avoid further complications or problems, it is imperative that you follow these instructions.

1. Take the antibiotic pills as directed and do not discontinue them until finished with the entire prescription or until the doctor tells you to do so.

2. Applying moist heat over the swollen area is usually beneficial.

3. Hourly warm salt water rinses are very helpful. Do not disturb your sleep to do this.

4. Once treatment is started, you should see a decrease in the swelling and pain within 48-72 hours.

5. If the swelling severely limits your ability to open your mouth or causes difficulty with swallowing or breathing, call our office immediately and/or go to the emergency room at the nearest hospital.

6. It is imperative that you keep follow-up appointments, and report any significant changes in the pattern of swelling or pain immediately.

7. It is not unusual to run a low-grade temperature. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Call our office if your temperature exceeds 100 degrees orally.

8. It is important to understand that failure to follow any of the instructions as indicated above may result in serious complications, significant detriment to your health, and in some cases may be life threatening.

Your doctor is available to answer any questions concerning your surgery.