Advice following Dental Extractions

It is best to avoid eating until the anaesthetic has worn off to avoid biting your lip or tongue whilst still numb. It is often worthwhile taking a painkiller that you are able to take safely before the numbness wears off to cover the most sore period. Ibuprofen is good if you are able to take it.

Bleeding after extractions:

It is normal to taste a little blood in the hours following an extraction. If you experience more bleeding than this, place one or more dental swabs provided so that you can bite down firmly on the space where the tooth was. It is best to do this for 15 minutes or so while sitting still. For more persistent bleeding contact the Practice, dentist on duty or hospital depending upon the time/day.

To avoid bleeding in the first 24 hours:

• Avoid vigorous exercise
• Do not let your tongue explore the space the tooth has come from
• Avoid brushing the teeth around the extraction site and avoid vigorous rinsing
• Avoid hot drinks
• Aspirin or alcohol can increase the chances of bleeding.

Infection can occur after extraction and this can lead to the blood clot breaking down (dry socket). Infection would feel like an increasing throbbing ache and usually a bad taste in the mouth. It is often caused by food getting into the space where the tooth was extracted.

To avoid this:

• Keep food to the other side as best as possible for the next few days
• Rinse out after meals with warm salty water or an antiseptic mouthwash
• Avoid smoking or keep to a minimum especially for the first 24 hours as this increases the risk of  infection and bleeding.

It is normal for small splinters of bone to appear through the gum around the area of the extraction. These will be spontaneously lost into the mouth and are signs of normal healing.