After Tooth Extractions
Patient Instructions
To insure your comfort in the success of treatment, we strongly suggest that the following instructions be carried out. For assistance, please call our Bellmore office at Jay S. Fishbein, DMD Bellmore Periodontics Office Phone Number 516-679-1145.
1. If you were given gauze, bite on it for approximately 45 minutes. After the 45 minutes, remove the gauze. If there is any bleeding, fold a fresh piece of gauze in quarters, then place it back into the extraction area, and bite on it for another 45 minutes. Repeat this sequence as necessary.
2. If bleeding continues, take a wet tea bag with cool water and then bite on it for approximately one hour. If bleeding still persists, call the office: Jay S. Fishbein, DMD Bellmore Periodontics Office Phone Number 516-679-1145.
3. Do not drink through a straw for the entire week.
4. Swelling: In some cases puffiness or swelling may result. This may be kept to a minimum by holding ice on the outside of your face adjacent to the treated area. We suggest that you use crushed ice in a plastic bag. Use it for 20 minutes and then leave it off for 10 minutes. This should be continued for several hours, since it helps to prevent discomfort and swelling. The ice should only be used for the first 24 hours.
5. Do not become alarmed if swelling becomes worse over the next several days. The greatest swelling frequently occurs between the third and fifth day post-operatively. Starting on the third or fourth day post-operatively, you may apply moist heat to the area of swelling, 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for several hours each day. Swelling is usually not indicative of infection.
6. No smoking, rinsing, or spitting for 24 hours.
7. If any medications were prescribed, please take them as needed.
8. Stay to a soft diet; avoid peanuts, pretzels, potato chips, popcorn and other hard foods.
9. After 24 hours, you may begin to rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in one eight ounce glass of water). Rinsing helps to remove food particles and debris from the socket area.
10. Continue to maintain normal hygiene throughout the rest of the mouth.
11. It is most important that you maintain a nutritious diet during the week of healing. You can chew on the opposite side of your mouth, but you should avoid hard foods. The patient who maintains a good diet of soft foods generally feels better, has less discomfort, and heals faster. A multivitamin will provide you with the daily essential vitamins and minerals. Foods containing onions, tomatoes, or pepper may be irritating and should be avoided.
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