extraction

PORTLAND DENTAL PRACTICE

POST EXTRACTION ADVICE

After an extraction a clot will form in place and, as well as sealing the wound to any infection, the clot acts as a “scaffold” for the socket to heal. These instructions will help your mouth to heal as quickly as possible.

	Mouth care
	Be careful not to bite your lip, cheek or tongue if they are still numb after the local anaesthetic
	Do not disturb the area with your finger, tongue or toothbrush
	Do not rinse your mouth for 3 hours after the extraction
	Do not drink alcohol or hot drinks for the remainder of the day and avoid hard crunchy foods for a few days
	The use of a hot salt water mouthwash (a teaspoon of salt in a glass of hot water) 3-4 times a day after meals can help to keep the area clean. Wait for at least three hours before doing this.
	Cut out cigarettes for the following 2 days to help healing. Failure to do this will lead to an infected socket

Pain

There will be some pain after your extraction. Ideally after 2 days the discomfort should be 50% better and by the end of a week it should be 80% better. It is a good idea to take painkillers before the numbness wears off. Paracetamol and ibuprofen (e.g. nurofen) are good painkillers and can be combined for extra effectiveness with the alternate painkiller taken in between doses of the first painkiller. Do not exceed maximum doses.


If the pain worsens after 2-3 days it may mean that you have an infection in the wound characterized by a deep bony pain with /without swelling and often associated with a rancid taste in your mouth. Please contact the practice for treatment of this infection. The infection is normally due to a blood clot failing to seal the wound. This allows food and bacteria to invade the site.

Antibiotics

If you have been prescribed an antibiotic, it is important to follow the instructions given to you by your dentist. Antibiotics may make the oral contraceptive pill less effective for up to one week. If you are on the pill and are given an antibiotic you should use an additional form of contraceptive.

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