Plan the Afternoon After the Extraction
Prepare food, transport, time to rest and clear aftercare instructions before an extraction, including who to call if recovery does not go as expected.
Get your own written instructions
Recovery advice depends on the procedure and your health. Ask the treating team for instructions on bleeding control, cleaning, eating, activity and medicines. The CDA advises protecting the surgical area and avoiding rinsing during the first 24 hours after minor oral surgery.[1]
Before the appointment, arrange any required escort, work coverage and help at home. Buy foods you can prepare easily and ask which textures and temperatures will be comfortable. Do not plan a demanding afternoon simply because the procedure itself has a short appointment slot.
Know the call-back plan
Ask which amount of bleeding or swelling is expected and which changes need a call. The CDA lists persistent heavy bleeding, fever and worsening recovery among reasons to contact the treating team. Seek emergency help for breathing or swallowing difficulty.[1]
Keep the daytime and after-hours numbers accessible. Have a pharmacist or clinician check any medicine questions, especially if you take other prescriptions. Do not stop a regular medicine, increase a pain medicine dose or add leftover antibiotics without professional advice.