What can I expect after surgery?

In most cases, the recovery period lasts only a few days. Take painkillers as prescribed by your dentist  The following tips will help speed your recovery.

-If you are bleeding, apply firm biting pressure to gauge pads placed over the extraction sites for 45 minutes at a time until bleeding has stopped.
-While your mouth is numb, be careful not to bite the inside of your cheek or lip, or your tongue.
-Do not lie flat. This may prolong bleeding. Prop up your head with pillows. Try using an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for the first 24 hours. Apply the ice pack in 20 minute intervals (20 minutes, 20 minutes off)
- Relax after surgery. Physical activity may increase bleeding.
-Eat soft foods, such as gelatin, pudding, or a thin soup. Gradually add solid foods to your diet as healing progresses.
-Do not use a straw for the first few days. Sucking on a straw can loosen the blood clot and delay healing.
-After the first 48 hours, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
-Do not smoke for at least 7 days after your surgery. The sucking motion can loosen the clot and delay healing. In addition, smoking decreases the blood supply and can bring germs and contaminants to the surgery area.
-Avoid rubbing the area with your tongue or touching it with your fingers. Continue to brush your teeth and tongue carefully.
-A Dental surgery Dentist will be calling you the evening after your suregery to ensure you have everything you need and that they are no post operative problems.