Patient instructions · Hollywood Smile NY

CARE OF MOUTH AFTER EXTRACTIONS

• Bleeding. Some bleeding following tooth extraction is to be expected. Place gauze pad and bite firmly over the site of the extraction for 20 - 30 min. Repeat if necessary. Avoid hot or spicy food.
• Swelling. Use plastic bag or towel filled with ice against affected area 5 minutes on and 10 minutes off for the first 24 hours. Then warm compress 10 minutes on and off for the next few days. Swelling goes up for two to three days before coming down.
• Food. Light diet is advisable during the First 24 hours.
• Next Day. Rinse mouth with 1/2 teaspoon table salt in an 8 ounce glass of very warm water, after meals. Repeat for the next 2 or 3 days, if necessary.
• Bony Edges. After teeth are extracted, the patient may feel hard projections in the mouth and think they are roots. This is usually the hard bony partition which surrounds the roots of the teeth. These generally break away or work themselves out.

If antibiotics are prescribed, take full amount of medications even though symptoms have disappeared.