Q: What should I do after a tooth extraction?

A: After your tooth extraction, please bite down on the gauze for at least 40 minutes and swallow your saliva. You may change the gauze as you feel necessary, usually after 40 minutes. Simply fold the gauze into fourths and place it over the wound. Stop biting on the gauze only after the bleeding has stopped. Please refrain from spitting, and avoid hot fluids, such as soups. They impede the blood clotting process. Please take antibiotics as instructed, and if needed.

If you experience discomfort, you may take pain-killing medications such as Tylenol. Following these instructions will help your blood clot and enable you to recover in the speediest manner.