After Extractions

To prevent bleeding, it is essential that you avoid the following:

rinsing, spitting, excessive physical activity, smoking, use of a straw, extremely hot food or drink, or traumatizing the surgical site.

A small amount of bleeding or "oozing" from the site is common during the first 24 hours. If bleeding is significant or excessive then:

Gently wipe your mouth with clean gauze and the place a thick pad of clean gauze (or moistened tea bag) onto the site and bite to apply pressure - continue for 15 to 30 minutes.
Rest with your head elevated or sitting upright. If the bleeding continues then seek dental or medical attention.

Beginning tomorrow, you should rinse with warm salt water to keep the extraction site clean. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water . Gently rinse and then spit

Take advised or prescribed medications (such as "pain killers") as directed.

Swelling to various degrees may follow oral surgery; this may be accompanied by bruising and/or difficulty in opening your jaw.

These may take a day or two to reach their peak
Applying ice or a cold pack to the affected side of you're face (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) during the first few hours after surgery can reduce subsequent swelling

Maintain proper nutrition and drink plenty of fluids.

If you have any problems, concerns, or questions, please call the dental office at 250-365-2424

If it is outside the regular office hours, please call Dr. James Singer at 250-365-1579, or Dr. Brent Kochan at 250-512-1089