Thank you for choosing Peakview Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry. Please follow these instructions carefully to promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Bleeding
- Bite firmly on the moistened gauze placed over the extraction site for 30–45 minutes.
- If bleeding continues, replace the gauze with clean gauze and apply firm pressure for another 30 minutes.
A small amount of oozing or blood-tinged saliva is normal during the first 24 hours.
If you experience heavy bleeding that does not slow with firm pressure, please contact our office.
Protect the Blood Clot
A blood clot forms in the extraction site and is essential for healing.
For the first 24 hours:
- Do not rinse vigorously or spit.
- Do not use a mouth rinse with alcohol in it.
- Do not use a straw.
- Avoid touching the extraction site with your tongue, fingers, or other objects.
- Avoid smoking, vaping, or using nicotine products.
- Avoid alcohol.
These activities can dislodge the blood clot and may cause a painful condition called dry socket.
If a Bone Graft Was Placed
If a bone graft was placed at the time of your extraction, protecting the surgical site is especially important.
- Do not chew directly over the graft site.
- Do not pull on, pick at, or disturb the area.
- Some small particles of graft material may occasionally be noticed in your mouth. Do not attempt to remove them.
- Avoid vigorous rinsing, spitting, or using a water flosser around the surgical site unless specifically instructed by our dental team.
- Follow all additional instructions regarding any membrane, sutures, or protective material that was placed.
- Keep all scheduled follow-up appointments so we can monitor healing of the graft.
Food & Drink
- Eat soft, cool or lukewarm foods for the first day.
- Avoid hot, spicy, hard, crunchy, citrus or chewy foods near the extraction site.
- Avoid foods with small seeds, like berries, and rice.
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth when possible.
- Good options include yogurt, applesauce, eggs, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, smoothies without a straw, and soft pasta.
- Drink plenty of water.
Oral Hygiene
- Do not brush directly over the extraction site on the day of surgery.
- Continue gently brushing and flossing the other areas of your mouth.
- Beginning the day after surgery, gently rinse with warm salt water as directed by your dental team.
- Do not vigorously swish or spit.
Swelling & Discomfort
- Some soreness and swelling are normal following a surgical extraction.
- Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for 15–20 minutes at a time, with breaks between applications, during the first 24 hours.
- Keep your head elevated when resting or sleeping during the first night.
Medications
Take all medications exactly as directed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
For pain management, follow the specific instructions provided by your dental team. Do not exceed the recommended dose of any medication.
If antibiotics are prescribed, take them exactly as directed and complete the prescribed course unless your dental team tells you otherwise.
Activity
- Rest for the remainder of the day.
- Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and other vigorous activity for at least 24–48 hours, or as directed by your dental team.
- Do not put your head below your knees—squat down to pick anything up.
Sutures
If sutures were placed, do not pull, tug, or play with them. Follow your dental team’s instructions regarding suture removal or your follow-up appointment.
Contact Our Office
Please contact Peakview Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry if you experience:
- Severe or worsening pain
- Heavy or persistent bleeding
- Increasing swelling, especially after the first few days
- Fever or signs of infection
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Any concern about your healing
Every patient heals differently. These instructions are general guidelines and do not replace the specific instructions provided by your dental team.
