Leave the gauze pads in place for 45-60 minutes maintaining firm pressure. Some bleeding or redness in the saliva is normal for 24-48 hours. This bleeding/oozing may continue throughout the first day. Although uncommon, persistent bleeding can be controlled by reducing activities, resting, and placing another gauze pad, biting with pressure, for an additional 30-45 minutes.

If bleeding persists you may substitute a tea bag (soaked in warm water, squeezed damp-dry and wrapped in moist gauze) for 30 minutes. If bleeding remains uncontrolled, please call our office.

Please wear the denture 24 hours a day for the first three days because of swelling. The denture may be removed, cleaned and placed back into your mouth.

It may take a few days to adjust to speaking with the denture.

We recommend you follow up with your dentist for denture adjustments.

Unfortunately most oral surgery is accompanied by some degree of discomfort.

Pain medication – Take the first pill before the anesthetic has worn off. This will enable you to manage your discomfort more effectively. If you do not achieve adequate pain relief, you may supplement each pill with Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen). The effects of medicines vary widely among individuals. Please call the office if the pain is not controlled.

Please do not drink alcoholic beverages, drive a car or operate machinery while taking prescribed pain medication.

Antibiotics – Take antibiotics on the specified dosing schedule. Yogurt with active cultures and/or acidophilus may be taken while on antibiotics to help minimize gastrointestinal side effects. If you develop severe cramping and/or diarrhea please notify the office.

If you are on birth control pills, please be advised that antibiotics and other medications can and may neutralize the preventive effect of birth control pills, allowing for conception and pregnancy. Please consult your physician to initiate additional forms of birth control during the period of treatment.

Anti-swelling medication – If our team prescribed medication to help control swelling, please take the medication on the specified dosing schedule.

Prescription rinse – Rinse with the prescribed antibiotic rinse (Peridex) as directed.

To minimize swelling apply ice 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, throughout the first day. It is not uncommon to have a fair amount of swelling from this procedure. Swelling usually peaks between days two and three.

Sutures were placed to control bleeding and to aid in the healing process. Do not lift or pull up your lip to look at the stitches. The sutures will usually dissolve in 5-10 days.

Do not rinse the day of surgery. Beginning the next day, mix ¼ teaspoon of salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water and gently rinse two or three times daily for the next week (in addition to your prescription mouth rinse, if prescribed).

We recommend a soft diet and liquids for a few days or until you feel comfortable to return to your normal diet.

If you are diabetic, maintain your normal eating habits as much as possible and follow instructions from us or your physician regarding your insulin schedule. You may need to test your blood sugar more frequently during the first 48 hours post-operatively.

Do not smoke. Smoking inhibits healing and may cause a dry socket.