• Bite firmly the gauze pack over the surgical area for at least 1/2 hour and discard it gently.
• Some blood will ooze from the area of surgery for several hours and it is normal.
• Do not spit, or suck through a straw, since this will promote bleeding.
• When bleeding persists at home, place a gauze pad or cold wet teabag over the area and bite firmly for 30 minutes.
• Do not smoke for 24 hours after surgery because this will cause bleeding, pain and interfere with healing.

Rinsing and Brushing

• Do not rinse your mouth or brush your teeth for the first 12 hours after the surgical appointment. Then use warm salt water after brushing teeth and every 2 hours.

What and When to Eat

• Use a liquid or soft food high in protein.
  
• Avoid hot food for the first 24 hours after surgery because this may promote bleeding.
• Eat a soft diet for the first 24 hours after tooth extraction.
• Avoid foods that require excessive chewing.
• Some discomfort and pain is normal after extraction, follow the pain killer regime prescribed.

Sutures or Stitches

• If stitches are placed in area of your surgery, they need to be removed (in about 1 week).