DO NOT SMOKE. This will help prevent dry sockets (throbbing, radiating pain).
Keep fingers and tongue away from the socket or surgical site.
Use ice packs on the surgical area (outside of face) for the first 24 hours. Apply ice 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off.
Use heat (moist heat is preferred) from the second day on to help relieve stiffness. Apply 15 minutes, 4-5 times per day.
For mild discomfort, use Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
Please take all prescribed medications as directed.
Drink plenty of fluids. Do not use straws.
After the the first post-operative day, use warm salt water rinses between meals to help keep food particles from settling in the sockets. If you were prescribed a medicated mouth rinse, continue rinsing with that as well.
Diet should consist of clear liquids to start if IV anesthesia was used, then progressing to soft foods as tolerated.
Biting down on gauze or a moistened tea bag every 20 minutes will help control bleeding.
If stitches were used, they are dissolvable unless otherwise instructed.