Advice following extractions

ADVICE FOLLOWING EXTRACTIONS

DO NOT rinse your mouth today, it will cause bleeding. From tomorrow, we suggest you gently bathe your mouth with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water) in the morning, noon and night. After this you can brush your teeth gently but mind your stitches, if any are present.

AVOID anything too hot to eat or drink, stick to soft food until you can chew comfortably. Try to avoid chewing on the affected side for the next 24 hours. Ensure there is no debris left in the extraction socket after meals. Soft foods include eggs, soup, bread and porridge. Avoid drinking through a straw for several days.

DO NOT participate in any strenuous activities, remember you have had a minor operation so please take things easy.

DO NOT SMOKE/VAPE within 48 hours of your extraction, as this may cause severe infections and/or excessive bleeding, as well as other complications.

RESTRICTED MOUTH OPENING: Mouth opening is usually restricted following the extraction for about a week or so. But this will return to normal.

STITCHES: You will be informed if you have had stitches placed after the procedure. These stitches should dissolve on their own.

PAIN: Dental operations can cause discomfort for about 1-2 weeks afterwards. Your usual over the counter pain relief can be taken to relieve pain

BRUISING: This may appear on your face or neck. Do not worry, this is quite normal and soon goes away. You may suffer from swelling. It takes up to five days to return to normal.

NUMBNESS: After some extractions, your tongue or lip may become numb. This is only transient, but in some cases may last for an indefinite period (especially wisdom teeth extractions).

BLEEDING: Should bleeding start when you get home, you should:

• NOT RINSE OUT YOUR MOUTH;
• Place the spare gauze we have provided over the bleeding site and bite down firmly and continuously for 10-20 minutes and repeat if required.

Brushing your teeth: Avoid brushing around the operated area for 24 hours. 

We do not anticipate you having any medical problems, but should you become concerned about anything, however trivial it may seem CONTACT us on 01183 150 252 during office hours for advice, but you remain under the care of your dentist, so please call them and/or follow their out of hours policy if you need aftercare.