Advice After Extractions


HEALING 


Now that the tooth has been removed, the healing processhas already begun. It is important that you take good care of the healing socket. By following these instructions, you will be surprised how quickly and comfortably the area heals.Anysensations you have over the next few days are usuallyhealing sensations.


Relax and take things easy for the rest of today andtomorrow. Resting and relaxing will maintain your pulse at a low rate and the healing will progress quickly andcomfortably. Give yourself some tender loving care. 


ANAESTHETIC


  • This can leave your lip and/or tongue feeling numb for up to 4 hours.
  • Be careful not to bite your lip, cheek, or tongue if you have a meal before your face returns to normal.


EDGES


  • Unless you have been told otherwise, the entire tooth, with its roots, has now been removed.
  • You might notice small fragments of the thin bone that was around the tooth working their way out. This is normal.
  • Your jaw bone will take several weeks to heal completely. During this time it can continue to feel different.


SWELLING


  • Some swelling and bruising can be expected after an extraction and may take up to ten days to disappear, as the area heals.
  • Swelling and bruisingcan be greatly reduced by taking Arnica. (see below.)


SMOKING 


  • Avoid smoking for at least 48 hours after the extraction as smoking increases the risk of socket irritation and infection.
  • Smoking immediately after the extraction may cause bleeding.


EXERCISE AND REST


  • Avoid heavy exercise and strenuous activity for the rest of the day due to the risk of bleeding.
  • When resting or sleeping avoid lying down flat – use an extra pillow for the next 1-2 days to keep your head higher than your heart – this will reduce the risk of bleeding.


FOOD, DRINKS, ALCOHOL


  • For the next few days, chew on the other side of yourmouth and avoid the socket with your tongue.
  • For your comfort avoid hard, hot or spicy foods.
  • On the day of extraction avoid hot food – let your soup or tea cool off a little.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.


(Hot liquids and alcohol can encourage bleeding.) 


RINSING


  • Wait for 6 hours following the procedure before you rinse your mouth.
  • Rinse gently with a warm salty solution (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a mug of water or chamomile tea) – this will promote faster and cleaner healing.
  • On the second day after the extraction you should start rinsingfirst thing in the morning and last thing at night andafter every meal, for 7 days.
  • When rinsing some blood staining may be evident in the saliva/rinse – this is normal.
  • Excessive rinsing encourages bleeding and can damage the clot which is the healing tissue.
  • Avoid mouthwashes as they irritate an open wound.


CLEANING 


  • Brush and floss your teeth as usual, being careful not to touch the socket area.
  • It is important that you keep your mouth as clean as possible – a clean mouth promotes faster healing.


MEDICATION


  • If you were prescribedantibiotics you may discontinue the course early if the pain and/or swelling have disappeared.
  • You must continue to take all your regular medication (if applicable) unless otherwise instructed.


PAIN


  • Some pain is normal after the extraction. Over the counter pain killers are usually sufficient.
  • For maximum comfort take one before the numbness wears off and one before bed if needed.
  • To avoid nausea, do not take pain medication on an empty stomach.
  • If pain starts a couple of days after an extraction it probably means that you have a DRY SOCKET.
  • This conditionaffects a small proportion of extractions. It means that there will be delayed healing. Pain and a bad taste are the usual main features.
  • Dry sockets never last longer than two weeks and are usually healed well inside that time even without treatment.
  • If your dry socket is uncomfortable,please contact the practice: we can easily treat it and make it more comfortable.


BLEEDING 


It is normal for some bleeding to occur.This is part of thehealing process. A small amount of bloodseems much more when it is diluted with saliva.


The followingadvice will help you to staycalm and in control in case of continued bleeding.


    • Stay calm and keep your head higher thanyour heart – keep upright, sitting orstanding.Lying down or worrying will increase the blood supply to the head and make the bleeding more pronounced.
    • Avoid rinsing to allow a clot to form.
    • Clear the mouth ofloose blood clots with a clean linen square or tissue so thatyou can find where the socket is bleeding.
    • Use a cleanpaper handkerchief or tissue to form a firm pad an inch thick.
    • Place thepad across the bleeding socket from the tongue to the cheekside. If the socket is between two standing teeth constrict thepad to fit.
    • Bite firmly to compress the pad on the socket andcontinue to sit up or stand.
    • Keep the pad in position for 15-20minutes without disturbing.
    • Then gently remove it, inspect thesocket in a mirror and then replace the pad, (or use a freshone) if still bleeding.
    • Stop using the pads when the bleeding stops.
    • If after an hour or two you have failed to control thebleeding, contact the practice.


Arnica 30c (for swelling and bruising)


  • Arnica is available from any health food shop.
  • It is preferable to start taking the Arnica just before the tooth is removed. Repeat or start taking it as soon as possible afterwards.
  • Take every two hours on the first day; Take four times per day for 3 days afterwards.


WARNING: If you are taking an anticoagulant drug (eg: Warfarin), unfortunately arnica is contraindicated and unsuitable for you, and should be avoided