After tooth extraction
Bleeding
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Bite on a new gauze every 30 minutes. Make sure to apply pressure.
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Put a towel over your pillow so you doesn't stain it there is bleeding before sleeping.
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Avoid doing strenuous work or exercise on the 1st day.
To avoid
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Do not smoke or drink alcohol for 2 days.
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Do not use a mouthwash with alcohol for 2 weeks.
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Avoid rinsing, spitting and drinking through a straw on the 1st day to avoid dislodging the blood clot.
Food
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Do not eat foods that are too hot or spicy on the 1st day. (including coffees)
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Avoid small seeds and broccoli that might get lodged in the socket. (extraction site)
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Eating foods rich in protein and vitamin C is recommended.
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Eat soft foods at the start if necessary.
To help
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Brush your teeth well and floss.
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Rinse with salt water after 48h for 1 or 2 weeks may speed healing and dislodge food in the socket (holes).
Medication
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Take the antibiotics (penicillin, amoxicillin, clindamycin, zithromax) as directed for 7 or 10 days.
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Do not stop taking antibiotics unless you develop an allergy (eg redness)
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Take pain relievers and / or anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, Advil, Tylenol) as needed.
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If needed, take those with codeine (Empracet, Percocet, Percodan) as needed (do not drive because they can cause dizziness).
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If your dentist prescribed Dexamethasone, remember to lower the dose as recommended. Sometimes swelling can occur after you finish the medication.
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If your stomach cannot tolerate the medication, call your dentist.
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Taking Aspirin may increase bleeding.
Swelling
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Apply ice to the side of the cheek for 20 min / hr on the day of surgery and the next day if your surgery required stitches.
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During the days following surgery, you can apply warm compresses to relax the muscles.
Sutures
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The sutures will usually disolve after 2 weeks.
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If the sutures come undone, you can remove them.
Dry socket
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If severe pain occurs 24 to 48 hours after surgery, contact your dentist.
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Smokers are more prone to dry socket.
In case of an emergency or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call us.