Reduce your activity as much as possible for several hours. Avoid eating, drinking and unnecessary talking. Do not rinse mouth or brush teeth immediately following your procedure. These activities may hinder the formation of a blood clot, which is necessary for proper healing.
To ease recovery from your dental visit, try the following the simple instructions below.
Immediately following your procedure begin taking any medication as prescribed or directed by your doctor or assistant, to minimize discomfort. Application of an ice bag can also relieve discomfort as well as swelling.
Immediately following the procedure keep a steady pressure on the bleeding area by biting firmly on a moistened gauze pad placed by your doctor or his assistant. Pressure helps reduce bleeding and permits formation of a clot in the tooth socket. Gently remove the compress after 45 minutes and replace it with a fresh gauze pad every hour or as needed. A trickle of blood is normal but if there is a persistent oozing, replace the gauze pad. Within 24 hours you may resume regular oral hygiene.
Have your meals at the usual time. Eat soft, nutritious foods and drink plenty of liquids with meals and in between. Have what you wish, but try to avoid, hard, crunchy foods, anything with small seeds or anything with husks (i.e. popcorn).
The next day after the bleeding has stopped, rinse mouth gently with a solution of one-half teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of lukewarm water. Repeat this every 2-3 hours for several days. Rinsing is important because it removes food particles and debris from the area and thus helps prevent infection and promote healing.
You should experience no trouble if you follow the instructions and suggestions as outlined. But if you should have any problems such as excessive bleeding, pain or difficulty opening your mouth, call the office immediately, for further instructions or additional treatment.
It is often advisable to return for a postoperative visit to make certain healing is progressing satisfactorily. A follow-up will be suggested if necessary. In the meantime, maintain a healthful diet, observe rules for proper oral hygiene and visit your dentist for regular check-ups.