FIRST HOUR: Do not drink while you are numb. Do not drink hot liquids while you are numb. Bite down gently, but firmly, on the gauze that has been placed over the surgical areas. The gauze should remain in place 30-45 minutes without changing ,regardless of the saturation. If active bleeding persists, place enough new gauze to obtain pressure over the surgical site for another 30-45 minutes. The gauze may then be changed as necessary every 30-45 minutes. If bleeding persists or becomes heavy, you may substitute a tea bag (soaked in warm water, squeezed damp-dry and wrapped in moist gauze) for 30-45 minutes at a time. Oozing is considered normal for a few days.
WARM SALT WATER:
Keeping your mouth clean following oral surgery is essential. Salt water may be used by mixing approximately 1/4 teaspoon salt into a glass of warm water. Gently rinse with the salt water and repeat as often as you like. This should be done before and after meals. Please do not excessively swish. Dislodging the blood clot from your wound is the cause of a dry socket. Do not use mouth rinses that have alcohol (Scope, Listerine, etc.). Peridex rinses twice a day starting 1 day after treatment.