Any surgical procedure in the mouth is followed by some oozing, swelling and discomfort.  In order to avert complications, these instructions should be followed unless different instructions have been given to you by the doctor.

Bleeding:  The gauze pack in your mouth should remain in place with slight biting pressure for 30 minutes after you leave the office.  If bleeding persists or starts again, cover the extraction site with a new gauze or a moist tea bag and apply firm biting pressure for 20-30 minutes.  If this does not control the bleeding, contact the office immediately. 

Swelling:  To minimize swelling, apply an ice bag to the side of your face as soon as you arrive home.  Apply cold for 20 minutes, then remove it for 10 minutes.  Continue this for only the first 4-6 hours after the extraction. 

Care of your mouth:  DO NOT RINSE your mouth the day of surgery.  Drink plenty of fluids but do not rinse.  DO NOT DRINK FROM A STRAW the day of surgery.  Rinsing or drinking from a straw can dislodge the blood clot and interrupt the course of healing.  The morning after surgery, rinse the area gently with hot salt water (1/2 tsp. per glass).  Repeat after meals for the next 3 days.

Pain:  Discomfort should be expected.  Medication is prescribed to alleviate this.