Forming Blood Clots
Continue biting on the gauze sponge placed over your extraction site(s) for the next hour. At the end of that period remove the gauze and replace it with new sterile gauze provided to you. Do not use cotton balls or tissue paper for this. Repeat this process every hour for the next 4 to 6 hours or until the bleeding stops. Do not sleep with the sponges in your mouth. Remember, the pressure from biting will help to arrest the bleeding and oozing from the treated areas. Your job is to bite down firmly.
Caring for Your Clots; Rules for the next 48 Hours
No smoking, No spitting, No straws: these activities will create negative pressure and dislodge your clots and expose the socket bone. No alcoholic beverages, no carbonated beverages, no hot beverages (coffee): these activities will dissolve your clots and expose the socket bone.
Pain Management
The local anesthetic used to numb your surgical sites will wear-off sometime in the next hour. This time interval can vary somewhat from person to person. It is recommended that you take some of the prescription medication prescribed to you as soon as possible to assist in your pain management as the anesthetic block fades.
Remember it is likely that you have been given a narcotic and therefore must NOT drive a car or make any important decision while taking the medication. If you must drive or work today or in the next few days it is recommended that you take an over-the-counter pain medication that you normally use for discomfort. Follow all instruction and warnings given to you by your pharmacist.
For Today
Rest as much as possible for the remainder of the day. Do not engage in activities that will raise your heart rate. This will impede the formation of your clots. Keep your head slightly elevated if you wish to lie down. Ice packs can be used to minimize pain and swelling anytime within the first 24 hours for 10 minute intervals (10 minutes on then 10 minutes off). Do not leave the ice pack in one area for more than 10 minutes at a time. Do not neglect to eat as this will weaken your immune system and delay your healing. Modify your diet to include soft foods that will require a minimum of chewing. Suggestions include: eggs, bananas, pudding, jello, simple soups and milk. Avoid hot foods. After eating be sure that your extraction sites are free of debris. Do not use any mouthwashes for today. Only use a heating pad if you were expressly instructed to do so. Brush your teeth normally today, avoiding the extraction sites. After rinsing, let the water fall out of your mouth. A clean mouth will heal faster. If you have been given oral antibiotics- take as directed.
Tomorrow
Warm salt water rinses starting and continuing for a few days are very helpful. Mix ½ teaspoon of salt with a warm 8oz. glass of tap-water. Gently rinse/swish the entire mouth for 30 seconds after meals. If you have been given a prescription mouthwash, use as directed.
What is normal – bleeding, bruising and swelling are expected. Remember that blood mixed with saliva can make bleeding appear worse than it actually is. Numbness or unusual sensation in the jaw bone is expected and only temporary.
What is abnormal- If you start running a significant fever, notice a foul smelling drainage oozing from the extraction sites or pain increases significantly after 36-72 hours, please call the office.
Follow up visits- If you have been scheduled for any post-operative treatment (suture or drain removal) do not neglect to keep your appointment. Further complications or infection can result from not returning for follow up treatment.