Gauze Pads: Bite firmly on the gauze pads over the surgical sites to stop bleeding. We'll change them before you leave, and you might need to change them once more at home for 30 minutes. Remove gauze before eating or drinking.

Numbness: Your lips, cheeks, and/or tongue might be numb due to the anesthetic. This is temporary and will wear off in 2-4 hours. Be careful not to bite yourself.

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Ice Packs: Apply ice packs to your face to reduce swelling for the first 48 hours.

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Medication: If prescribed, take your pain medication and/or antibiotic as soon as possible.

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No Rinsing or Spitting: Avoid rinsing or spitting on the day of surgery to prevent prolonged bleeding.

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Rest: Get plenty of rest on the day of surgery.

Normal Oozing: Some oozing is normal for 24-48 hours and shouldn't be a concern. Saliva might be slightly blood-tinged for several days.

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Controlling Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure to the surgical site with a folded gauze pad or a moist teabag for 20-30 minutes. Change the gauze when saturated. Repeat if needed.

Discomfort: Some discomfort is expected. Take your prescribed medications. If you have not been prescribed pain medication, you may use Advil or Tylenol for pain management. Fill your prescriptions immediately after surgery to take them before the anesthetic wears off.

Antibiotics: If prescribed, take as directed and finish the full course. Temporarily stop if you experience nausea, but always restart and finish the course.

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Allergic Reactions: Stop any medication causing hives or itching and call your local hospital

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Call Us If: You notice signs of infection: increased pain or swelling after 5 days, foul taste/odor, fever above 38°C.

Normal Reaction: Swelling around the mouth, eyes, and cheeks is normal and usually peaks in 2-3 days.

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Reduce Swelling:

• Apply ice packs to cheeks for 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 48 hours.

• Keep your head elevated.

• Use crushed ice in a ziplock bag or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a moist cloth to prevent frostbite.

After 3 Days: Apply moist heat 4 times a day for 30 minutes to relieve swelling, bruising, and stiffness.

Normal Diet: Resume a normal diet after 3 days, starting with softer foods like soup, noodles, eggs, pasta, pudding, yogurt, etc.

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Important:

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Avoid straws.

• Avoid hard/crunchy foods for at least 5 days.

• No alcohol for 24 hours post-anesthetic or while taking pain medications/antibiotics.

Do not rinse for 24 hours after surgery.

Mouth Rinse: Use Peridex (if prescribed) 2-3 times daily after brushing. Swish for 60 seconds then spit out.

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Saltwater Rinse: Rinse with saltwater (1/2 tsp salt in 1 cup water) several times daily.

Dissolvable: Sutures will dissolve on their own in 1-3 weeks.

Rest: Most patients take 1-2 days off. Return to work/school when recovered.

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Strenuous Activities: Avoid for 2 weeks.

What It Is: A dry socket occurs when the blood clot dislodges, exposing bone and nerves. It's uncommon but can cause increased pain 3-6 days after surgery.

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Prevention:

• Do not smoke for 24-48 hours

• Avoid sucking actions (smoking, spitting, straws) for 24 hours.

• Clean the extraction site as instructed.

• Avoid excessive rinsing for 24 hours.

Do Not Smoke: Refrain from smoking for at least 24-48 hours.

Brushing: Brush your teeth on the day of surgery, avoiding the surgical site for 5 days.

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Rinsing: Avoid rinsing or spitting on the day of surgery.

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Retainer: Continue wearing if comfortable.

• Normal: Small bone chips might appear and usually fall out on their own. Contact Haileybury Dental if they cause discomfort.

Paresthesia: Tingling sensation or complete numbness - this type of numbness is usually temporary. Notify Haileybury Dental if it lasts over 24 hours.

Usually Unnecessary: Follow-up is generally not needed unless specified by the surgeon but please contact our office if you have any concerns at (705) 672 - 2141.

Contact Us: Call Haileybury Dental at (705) 672-2141 with questions or concerns.​

Emergency Medical Help: Contact your local hospital in the event of an emergency.