Advice
Post Operative Advice –
Tooth Extraction
Following an extraction, it's important for a
blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin
the healing process. That's why we ask you to
bite on a dressing of gauze for 30
minutes after an extraction.
If bleeding or oozing continues after you remove the
gauze, place another gauze or cotton handkerchief on
the area and bite firmly for another 30 minutes.
Dont use tissue/cotton wool as this will only
draw more blood out.
You may have to do this several times.
After the blood clot forms, it's
important to protect it, especially for
the next 24 hours.
Avoid food/drink for at least 3hrs, and when you do
eat be careful not to disturb the extraction site.
Avoid smoking as this delays the healing process and
can cause an infection in the tooth socket.
Avoid rinsing vigorously or disturbing the
extraction site as this may cause the blot
clot to be dislodged and bleeding to restart.
Limit yourself to calm activities for the first 24
hours. This keeps your blood pressure lower, reduces
bleeding, and helps the healing process.
After the tooth is extracted, you may feel some pain
and have some swelling. The swelling usually
starts to go down after 48 hours.
To control discomfort, you may take over the counter
pain medication as recommended.
After at least 6 hrs or the following morning gently
rinse your mouth with warm salty water
3 times a day (put a teaspoon or two of salt in
a cup of warm water and then gently rinse).
Also, rinse gently after meals. This helps keep food
out of the extraction site.
It's very important to resume your normal oral
hygiene regimen after 24 hours. This should
include brushing your teeth and tongue and flossing
at least once a day. This will speed healing
and help keep your breath and mouth fresh.
Call the practice right away if you have
heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued
swelling after two or three days.
Post Operative Advice -
Restorations (fillings,
crowns etc)
Numbness due to local anaesthetic usually
subsides in approximately 1 to 3 hours after the
procedure. It is very important not to chew on
the numb side (to prevent biting tongue, lip,
etc.) Ideally you would avoid hot drinks
and food until after the anaesthetic has worn off.
Your tooth (or teeth) may be sensitive to hot, cold
or pressure from this procedure. This is COMPLETELY
normal. The more invasive the procedure, the more
sensitivity you may experience. The possible
symptoms of hot, cold or pressure will cease within
a few days to a couple of weeks. In very few
instances, this sensitivity could last longer than a
couple of weeks. As long as your teeth or gums
are continuing to feel better, (not staying the
same, or getting worse) everything is fine. There is
no need for concern.
If your treatment involves crowns/bridges,
then you will most likely have a temporary
crown fitted at the preparation stage.
It is extremely important for the temporary
crown/bridge to remain on the tooth until we seat
your permanent crown. If your temporary crown
becomes loose or comes off at any time, please call
the practice. Your tooth can move within a few
hours if your temporary is missing, which can
inhibit the placement of your permanent crown. You
may also experience sensitivity if your temporary
comes off.
Please note: With your temporary crown, avoid hard
and chewy foods (such as ice, chewing gum or
toffees!!).
These are known to pull temporary crowns off the
prepared tooth.