Tooth Extraction – post operation instructions

The following is some helpful advice following the removal of teeth. Your dentist/surgeon will explain any specific risks to you.

However, individual patients can react differently to surgery. Some patients bruise more easily and others may be prone to bleeding after extraction of a tooth/teeth. Please let your dentist know if you have had a bad reaction to any treatment in the past.

It is advisable to take it easy for a period of time after having teeth removed. Please discuss the length of time that your dentist considers may be necessary for recovery. It is best to avoid a busy schedule if you are having surgical removal of a tooth.

The decision to have your tooth/teeth extracted should be made by you after you consider the risks and benefits of the procedure. Please do not proceed with treatment unless you are comfortable doing so. Your dentist will advise you if the treatment is urgent.

• Avoid cycling or excessive exercise for several hours. Ideally rest by sitting in a chair and using an extra pillow for the first night.
• Do not drink anything alcoholic for the first 24 hours and avoid smoking.
• Take any pain-killing tablets as advised by your dentist. Follow any instructions regarding dosage carefully.
• After six hours, rinse your mouth gently with a warm salt solution (level teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water) and repeat after each meal and before bed for seven days or as advised by your dentist.
• You may feel the sharp edge of a socket with your tongue and occasionally small fragments of bone may work their way out. This is normal.
• Try not to disturb the socket with your tongue by eating food on that side or by vigorous rinsing. This will delay the healing process.

If excessive bleeding occurs:

• Use some clean linen or gauze about 1 ½” (4cm) wide to make a roll of 1” (2.5cm) thick, thus forming a firm pad or use a clean handkerchief.
• Make a few such pads if necessary.
• Keep sitting up and clear the mouth of loose blood clots with a clean linen square or tissue so that you can find where the socket is bleeding. This is important.
• Place a pad across the bleeding socket from the tongue to the cheek side. If the socket is between two standing teeth, adjust the pad to fit.
• Bite firmly to compress the pad on the bleeding socket for 10-15 minutes. Avoid lying down.
• Inspect the socket and replace the pad or use another one, if bleeding still appears from the socket.
• If your efforts are unsuccessful after one hour or two contact our dentist.
• It is not unusual to experience swelling or discomfort for a few days. However, if pain, swelling or bleeding persists, contact your dentist.
• Please remember, if excessive bleeding does occur it is important to avoid exercise, alcohol or disturbing the socket.