• When your procedure is complete, surgical gauze will be placed in your mouth for you to bite on for the next 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, take two (2) pieces of gauze from the package we have provided you with, dampen them with water, fold both pieces in half and place back into your mouth. Bite down with firm pressure for an additional 20 minutes. This firm pressure encourages the formation of a blood clot, which allows the extraction site to heal.

Please ensure the gauze is dampened before placing into your mouth as dry gauze will pull on the clot that has started to form and will restart the healing process.

• Bleeding over the next few days post-surgery is normal. If you feel it is necessary, repeat the steps in the first paragraph to promote the formation of another blood clot in the extraction site.
• Swelling and bruising is normal on the cheek and even down onto the neck. To reduce swelling, place an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the area. Avoid placing ice pack continuously on for longer period and try keeping on and off.
• Over the next week, avoid or limit, drinking through a straw, spitting, smoking, working out and/or heavy lifting as these activities can cause negative pressure to form in your mouth which could result in the newly formed clot becoming dislodged.
• A soft food diet for the next 4 to 5 days is recommended. Avoid spicy foods as they can cause irritation to the gums or foods that contain small grains/seeds as they can become stuck in the pocket created by the extraction. Examples of acceptable foods include eggs, pasta, soup, yogurt or smoothies that do not contain fruit seeds.
• Mouthwashes or rinses could cause irritation to the gums and should not be used following your surgery. After 24 hours after the extraction saltwater rinses are recommended before bed and after meals to keep the area of the mouth clean. Avoid the area with your toothbrush and do not swish the salt water vigorously as negative pressure may form and slow healing.
• If sutures (stitches) have been placed, they will dissolve on their own in 7 to 10 days, you do not need to return to the office to have these removed.
• Take the medication the dentist has prescribed to you as directed.