Extraction Site After-Care

Please contact our office at (306) 664-9994 if you have any questions or concerns after a procedure.

Care of Extraction Sites

Expect discomfort over the next 48 hours, which means you will encounter swelling, bruising, and minor bleeding.

Take any prescription given to you as directed.

Use an old towel on your pillow when you sleep as you may drool and blood may be mixed with your saliva.

Avoid spitting, sucking through a straw, or smoking for 48 hours after extractions.

Avoid hot and spicy food and drink for 24 hours after surgery.  Avoid foods with small seeds for 48 hours after surgery.

Bleeding - Apply compression by biting on gauze for 1 hour.  DO NOT change gauze repeatedly.  Do not replace gauze unless bleeding is severe.  Extra gauze will be sent home with you in case you are still bleeding and need to replace it after the hour.  Some oozing for 2-3 days is normal.

Rinsing - Start warm salt-water* rinses 24 hours after your extractions.  Gently rinse every 2-3 hours.  If rinsing is necessary in the first 24 hours be brief and gentle.  Keeping the area as clean as possible is the best way to avoid a delay in healing.  *Dissolve 1/2 tsp of salt into 1 cup of warm water.

Swelling - There will be 3 days of progressive swelling.  Swelling should subside by the fourth or fifth day.  Use an icepack to help with swelling and pain prevention.  Contact the office if swelling persists.

Bruising - Bruising may become evident in the cheek or under the chin.  It is normal to have some discomfort for as long as 6 weeks after surgery.  Use pain pills as directed.