Bleeding: Immediately after the extraction, bite on a gauze pad covering the extraction socket, keep biting steadily for at least 30 minutes. This will help stop the bleeding and forming of the clot inside the socket. The clot is very important for the healing process. If you are still experiencing some bleeding after 30 minutes, bite on a new gauze pad or a damp tea bag for 30 more minutes. Renew it every 30 minutes until the bleeding stops. Minimal bleeding may persist for 24 hours.

Pain control: You could experience some discomfort the first 2 to 3 days after the surgery. We usually recommend 2 tabs of Ibuprofen 200mg before the anesthesia wears off. It can be repeated every 4 to 6 hours if needed.

Diet: Do not eat for the first 2 hours following the surgery. After 2 hours, eat soft food and avoid very hot beverage for the first 2 days. Do not chew hard, crunchy food on the extraction side for at least a week. Food debris in the socket will disturb the clot, impair the healing, cause pain and inflammation.

Oral hygiene: Do not brush or rinse the day of the surgery. The next day resume brushing and flossing, but brush gently around the extraction site. Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water or a mouth wash if one was prescribed to you, do not swish. Avoid using a straw or sucking candy for the first 48 hours. Any sucking action could dislodge the clot and cause dry socket.

Smoking: Smoking will delay the healing and increase the risk for a very painful dry socket. Do not smoke for at least 72 hours after the extraction.

Activity, exercises: Avoid strenuous activities and exercising the day of the surgery.

Call the clinic if you experience the following conditions:
Heavy bleeding or increasing bleeding several hours after the surgery.
Increasing swelling or pain that persists or increases beyond 3 days after the extraction.
Odour or bad taste in the mouth.
Fever.
Reaction to medications.

The clinic will arrange a follow up appointment for you if it is needed.