BLEEDING:

 Your dentist will place a gauze pack on the extraction site to limit bleeding and confine the blood while clotting takes place. This gauze pack should be left in place for 30-45 minutes after you leave the dentists office. Do not chew on the pack. If bleeding or oozing continues after the pack is removed, follow this procedure:

*Fold a piece of clean gauze into a pad thick enough to bite on. Dampen the pad and place directly on extraction site.

*Apply moderate pressure by biting steadily on this pad. Maintain this pressure for about 30 minutes. Repeat if necessary.

*Do not suck on the extraction site (Remember that a lot of saliva and a little blood may look like a lot of bleeding). You may gently spit out saliva once in a while.

*If heavy bleeding continues, call your dentist.
THE BLOOD CLOT:

 After an extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket. This clot is part of the normal healing process. It is important to avoid activities that might disturb the clot. Here’s what you should do to protect it:

*Do not smoke, spit forcefully, rinse your mouth vigorously, or drink through a straw for 24 hours. These activities create suction in your mouth, which could dislodge the clot and delay healing.

*Do not clean the teeth next to the healing tooth socket for the rest of the day. You should, however, brush and floss your other teeth thoroughly.

*Limit strenuous activity for 24 hours after the extraction. This will reduce bleeding and help the blood clot form.
SWELLING AND PAIN: 

After a tooth is removed, you may have some discomfort and notice some swelling. You can help reduce swelling and pain by applying cold compresses to the face. For several hours after the extraction, you can use an ice bag or a cold, moist cloth. Your dentist may recommend this.
MEDICATION:

Your dentist may prescribe medication to control pain and prevent infection. Use it only as directed. If the medication prescribed does not seem to work for you, do not increase the dosage. If you have prolonged or severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or fever call your dentist immediately. He will give you exact instructions on how to care for your problem. 
DIET:

 The day of the extraction, drink lots of liquids and eat soft, nutritious foods. Avoid alcoholic and carbonated beverages, and hot liquids. Begin eating solid foods the next day or as soon as you can chew comfortably. Try to chew food on the side opposite of the extraction site for at least two days following the extraction. If you are troubled by nausea and vomiting, call your dentist for advice.

RINSING:

The day after the extraction, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in one glass of warm water). Rinsing after meals is important to keep food particles out of the extraction site, but remember not to rinse your mouth vigorously.

ORAL HYGIENE:

 It is important to brush 2 times daily and floss the teeth at least once a day. The tongue should always be brushed. This will eliminate the bad breath and unpleasant taste that is common after an extraction. Always use a soft brush so that you do not injure the tissues in your mouth. On the day of the extraction, avoid cleaning the teeth next to the healing tooth socket. Remember that you have just had minor surgery! Be kind to yourself.