Bite firmly on folded gauze for 20 -30 minutes, then remove it gently and replace it with a fresh one. After a couple of hours of changing gauze, or when the bleeding slows down considerably, leave a fresh gauze pack in place until bed time. Do not smoke for at least one day, two days if you can manage it, because this will promote bleeding and interfere with healing.

Some blood will ooze from the area of surgery and is normal. You may find a bloodstain on your pillow in the morning, so it is advisable to place your pillow inside a trash bag and place an old terrycloth towel down on top of your pillow for the first night.

Do not spit, rinse your mouth, or use a straw for the first 24 hours, as this can dislodge the newly formed blood clot in the extraction site and cause further complications, like a dry socket.

If bleeding begins again after it has already stopped, place a small damp gauze pack directly over the tooth socket and bite firmly for 30 minutes. If it continues to bleed call Dr. Woodward promptly!

Keep your head elevated with several pillows or sit in a lounge chair.

Some discomfort is normal after surgery. It can he controlled but not eliminated by taking the pain pills your dentist has prescribed.

Taking pain pills on an empty stomach can cause nausea. It is advisable to take the pills with a lot of liquid and some food if possible.

A soft diet is recommended in the beginning, and it is important to drink a large volume of fluids. Do not drink through a straw because this may disturb the wound. Warm chicken soup usually works well.

Eat normal regular meals as soon as possible after surgery. Cold, soft food such as ice cream or yogurt may be the most comfortable for the first day.

Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for the first 24 hours after surgery. After that, rinse gently with warm salt water (one-half teaspoon of salt in 8 oz. of warm water) every 4 hours while awake.

Brush your teeth gently, but thoroughly. Avoid the area of surgery for 2 to 3 days.

Swelling after surgery is a normal body reaction. It reaches its maximum about 48 hours after surgery and usually lasts 4 to 6 days.

Applying ice packs over the area of surgery for the first 6 hours helps control swelling and may help the area to be more comfortable. Apply the cold packs in 20 minute intervals, 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off. After 6 hours DO NOT USE COLD PACKS again, as this will slow down the healing process. You may use Hot Compresses on 20 minute intervals, 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off, you can repeat a couple of times if you wish.

Generally it is advisable to rest in bed following surgery. Avoid activities that raise your blood pressure for 3 days after your surgery.

You may experience some mild bruising in the area of your surgery. The area may discolor; this is a normal response in some persons and should not be a cause for concern.

After surgery you may experience stiff jaw muscles and limited opening of your mouth. This is normal and should improve in 5 to 10 days.

If stitches have been placed in the area of your surgery you will have been told that you will need to have them removed in about 1 week. You should already have an appointment, if not please call and make one.

  You experience excessive discomfort that you cannot control with your prescription.
  You have bleeding you cannot control by biting on gauze.
  You have increased swelling after three days, following your surgery.
  You feel that you have a fever.
  You have any questions about your healing.

PHONE NUMBERS:
    Office: (760) 729-7901
    Dr. Woodward's Home: (760) 631-8191