Care After Extractions

After the tooth is extracted, the socket left behind fills with blood which clots and heals over. Do not disturb the blood clot. Do not poke at it with your tongue or finger.

Rinsing

Do not rinse the mouth for 24 hours after the extraction. After 24 hours you should start bathing the socket area with warm salt water. dissolve a level teaspoonful of common table salt in a cup of warm water. Ensure that the water is not too hot for your mouth.. take a sip of this and hold it over the socket area for 30 seconds and then spit out. Do not vigorously rinse the socket area - just bathe it. Repeat until you have used all the water in the cup. Do this 4 times a day.

Bleeding

When you leave the surgery the socket will have stopped bleeding. If you disturb the wound it may start bleeding again. if this happens, take a clean handkerchief, roll it up into a thin sausage shape, dip it into hot salt water (mixed as above), squeeze it fairly dry, place it directly over the socket, and bite on it firmly whilst resting. Rest is very important as it reduces blood pressure. After 15 mins remove the handkerchief and continue resting for a further 30 minutes. if bleeding still continues, contact the Dentist.

Pain

After the anesthetic wears off there should be no more than a dull ache present; this may last for 24 hours or so. Any pain or soreness can be relieved by taking a suitable non-aspirin-containing painkiller. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. If severe pain worries you, do not hesitate to contact the Dentist.

Eating & Drinking

Do not eat until the anesthetic has fully worn off and then only eat soft foods. Avoid chewing in the area of the extraction for at least 3 days. Drinks such as warm tea are fine, but drink them straight back and do not swill them around the socket. Do not consume alcoholic drinks, or smoke, for the next 24 hours.

Work

Physical exertion is not advised until the following day at the earliest. if in doubt ash the Dentist for advice.

Brushing

Use your toothbrush as normal but take care around the extraction site. It is important that you keep your mouth as clean as possible to allow the area to heal properly.

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