When you've had oral surgery doing certain things, even on the first day, may help you feel better and heal faster.

Control Bleeding

To help control bleeding, bite firmly on the gauze. The pressure helps to form a blood clot in the tooth socket. If you have a lot of bleeding, bite on a regular tea bag. The tannic acid in the tea aids in forming a blood clot. Bite on the gauze or the tea bag until the bleeding stops.

Minimize Pain

To lessen any pain, take prescribed medication as directed. Don't drive while taking any pain medication.

Reduce Swelling

To reduce swelling, put an ice pack on your cheek near the surgical site. Apply ice for 10 minutes. Repeat as needed.

Get Enough Rest

Limit activities for the first 24 hours.

Do's

Below are some suggestions to follow to promote your healing.

Do eat a diet of soft, healthy foods and snacks.
It may be easier for you to eat soft foods soon after your surgery. Drink plenty of liquids while you're healing.

Do brush your teeth gently.
Avoid brushing around the surgical site. And don't use any toothpaste. Rinsing toothpaste from your mouth may dislodge the blood clot.

Do keep the surgical site clean.
After 12 hours you may be able to gently rinse your mouth. Rinse 4 times a day with 1 tablespoon of salt in a glass of water.

CAUTION
Rinse your mouth very gently.
Otherwise, the blood clot may dislodge.

Don'ts

Below are some activities to avoid while you are healing.

Don't drink with a straw.
Sticking on a straw may dislodge the blood clot.

Don't drink hot liquids.
Hot liquids may increase swelling.

Limit your alcohol use.
Excessive use of alcohol may slow healing.

Don't smoke.
Smoking may break down the blood clot, causing a painful tooth socket.

CALL DR. MARTONE IF:

• Pain becomes more severe the day after your surgery.
• Bleeding becomes hard to control (slight oozing of blood on the first day is normal).
• Swelling around the surgical site worsens.
• Itching or rashes occur after taking medication (may be an allergic reaction).

Eating While You Heal

Eating right will help you heal faster after your tooth extraction. Eat regular meals as soon as you can after surgery. As you heal,try the following recommendations.

Start with Soft Foods and Liquids

• At first, eat soft foods such as oatmeal, mashed potatoes, bananas, and soups.
• Also drink liquids high in nutrients such as vegetable and fruit juices or high-protein drinks.

Move on to Solid Foods

• Cut foods into small pieces to ease chewing.
• Use a blender for hard-to-chew foods, such as apples and carrots.

Be Careful when You Chew

• Limit chewing. Avoid crunchy or sticky foods such as popcorn, taffy and nuts.

Follow-up Visits

You will need to see Dr. Martone to make sure you are properly healing.

If you have any problems, call: (724) 224-7888

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