Oral Surgery - “What to Expect from a Recent Extraction” It is important that a blood clot forms on the extraction site to stop bleeding, reduce pain, and to speed healing. To protect the clot:

• Bite on a gauze pad firmly for 30-45 minutes
• Discard used gauze. If the bleeding continues, roll up another piece of gauze and place for another 30-45 minutes.
• If bleeding continues, place a warm wet tea bag over the extraction site and apply pressure

Do’s and Don’ts

• Do keep gauze in place for 30-45 minutes
• Don’t spit
• Don’t suck on candies or through a straw
• Do limit yourself to calm activities and elevate your head with pillow when you lie down to reduce bleeding
• No smoking for 24 hours 

Slight discomfort is to be expected and over-the-counter pain medications are usually sufficient. For example: aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)

When to call us: Heaving or increased bleeding. Pain or swelling that increases or continues beyond three days. A bad taste or odor in your mouth. A reaction to the medication.