Dental Extractions

1. CHANGE THE GAUZE in your mouth every half-hour if the bleeding persists. Some BLEEDING after tooth extraction is to be expected.
2. Moisten and replace the gauze as needed. If the bleeding stops, you may leave the gauze out. The wounds may ooze overnight – this is normal.
3. DO NOT RINSE, GARGLE, OR SPIT for the first 24 hours.
4. Do not SMOKE or drink liquids through a straw for 24 hours.
5. FOOD: A soft diet is advisable for the first 24 hours. Anything you can eat with a spoon is acceptable.
6. If MEDICATION is prescribed, please take as directed. Do not add any other medication or take prescription drugs with alcohol.
7. SWELLING may start after the tooth has been removed, but is no cause for alarm.
8. You can minimize SWELLING by placing an ice pack to the side of your face: 15 minutes to each side every hour for the first 48 hours.
9. The NEXT DAY rinse your mouth with ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water several times a day.
10. After two days the swelling will stop. On the third day ;you may apply moist heat to the swollen areas to help your body absorb the swelling (warm wash cloth-not a heating pad), 2 or 3 times a day as needed.
11. You may feel hard projections in the area of the extractions which will heal with time.

If you have unusual symptoms: prolonged pain, swelling, drainage; or pain on swallowing call Dr. Khoury's office at (707) 451-1311.