Post-Operative Dental Instructions

Bleeding

Bite down firmly on the gauze packs that have been placed over the surgical areas. Continue gauze pack for at least 6 hours or until bleeding stops (if longer than 6 hours). Change the gauze every hour.

Exercise Care

Do not disturb the surgical area today. Do NOT rinse vigorously or probe the area with any objects. You may brush your teeth gently. PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE for at least 48 hours, since this is very detrimental to healing and may cause a dry socket. The remaining socket in your jawbone will fill with a clot. Do not pick at the bone or the socket.

Oozing

Intermittent bleeding or oozing overnight is normal. Bleeding may be controlled by placing a folded fresh gauze over the areas and biting on the gauze until bleeding stops.

Persistent Bleeding

If bleeding persists or becomes heavy you may substitute a tea bag (soaked in warm water, squeezed damp-dry and wrapped in a moist gauze) until bleeding stops. If bleeding continues the next day, please call our office.

Swelling

Immediately begin using an ice bag wrapped in a thin towel and applied firmly to the cheek adjacent to the surgical area. This should be applied twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off during the first 24 hours after surgery until bleeding stops. Use an ice pack for at least 6 hours, swelling will reduce after 48 hours.
If you have any questions about how to take care of your smile, we encourage you to contact our dentists in Tyler, Texas, at East Texas Dental Group LLC today. We are happy to help!

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