Home care following extractions and other oral surgical procedures
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A certain amount of bleeding, pain, and swelling is normal! Reduce your activity as much as possible for several hours. For 24 hours, avoid excessive eating, drinking, and unnecessary talking. In addition, do not rinse mouth, smoke, use a straw, or spit. These activities may hinder formation of a blood clot, which is necessary for proper healing.

• Healing: Do not disturb the wound by touching it with your finger, tongue, or a toothpick - irritation, bleeding, and infection could result.
• Bleeding: Some bleeding is expected. If it becomes excessive, place a rolled sterile gauze pad over the wound and keep it in place for 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, please phone the dental office at (203) 248-4080.
• Diet: No food or liquid for 4 hours after leaving the office. This allows the blood clot to form. After that, you should follow a soft diet for 24 hours. Avoid hot, harsh, or raw foods until the wound has healed.
• Mouth rinsing and brushing: After 24 hours, to help cleanse mouth, rinse gently every 4 hours with a solution of ? teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of lukewarm water or a 50/50 mix of water and hydrogen peroxide. We recommend the water and peroxide rinse over the salt rinse, especially for those patients who follow a low salt diet. Continue these rinses for several days. Resume your regular brushing and flossing habits of hygiene, but avoid disturbing the surgical site so as not to loosen or remove the blood clot.
• Pain: Use the prescribed or recommended medication according to directions.
• Swelling: To relieve and help prevent swelling, apply an ice pack over the affected area. Apply 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, for 4 to 6 hours following the procedure.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at (203) 248-4080 or contact Dr. Le after hours at (203) 589-4321. (top of page)

Instructions following scaling and root planing (deep cleaning)
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• Fill your antibiotic prescription today. Take two tablets immediately, then 2 each day until the prescription is finished. It is important to finish the full amount.
• To reduce potential swelling, and to promote healing and reattachment, take 200 mg Ibuprofen (its trade name is "Advil" or "Motrin"). Take this every 6 hours for 2 days whether you have discomfort or not. If you are unable to take Ibuprofen, you can take a Naproxen sodium product (its trade name is "Aleve"). If you are unsure, please call us for advice.
• Refrain from smoking following scaling and root planing procedures. Tobacco smoke is an irritant and therefore will interfere with healing.
• Continue to brush and floss at least twice a day. Use tartar control toothpaste (we recommend "Total Colgate"). Also brush your tongue when you brush your teeth.
• Use the rubber tipped appliance each night as instructed and where applicable also use the Proxybrush. If you are between scaling and root planing treatments, use the rubber tip on the side which has already been scaled and root planed first, then follow on the other side.
• Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash (we strongly recommend "Listerine") for at least 30 seconds before bed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call our office at (203) 248-4080 or contact Dr. Le after hours at (203) 589-4321. (top of page)

Patient information regarding the use and care of your night guard
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You have been custom-fitted with a night guard to suppress jaw muscle contraction, such as clenching and grinding. Your night guard should fit securely, but without applying uncomfortable pressure to any individual tooth or area. In addition, if you feel any sharp edges that also cause discomfort, please call the office.

• Always brush and floss your teeth before use.
• To become accustomed to the night guard, wear it while you are awake (preferably after dinner) for three to four days.
• Wear nightly or as instructed.
• Clean your night guard after each use to prevent tartar and stain build up.
• Use a soft toothbrush under cool water.
• DO NOT USE TOOTH PASTE.
• DO NOT USE HOT OR BOILING WATER.
• SOAK IN MOUTHWASH for disinfectant purpose (the night guard may get discolored).
• Once a week you may soak the night guard in water and a tablespoon of bleach to disinfect it in case you had a cold or some other virus.
• Store your night guard in the container provided with water.
• Clean the container periodically in warm soapy water to prevent bacterial or fungal growth.
• Keep your night guard away from children and pets.
• Bring your night guard to all cleaning appointments so we can clean and evaluate it.

Please call the office if any problems develop. Do not attempt to alter the night guard in any way. Dr. Le will make all adjustments. (top of page)