postoperative instructions for extractions

  1. Avoid rinsing or spitting for 24 hours. This is so the blood clot is able to set undisturbed and so the bleeding doesn’t start again. Just for this time period avoid brushing your teeth.
  2. After 24 hours mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and rinse after every meal and as much as you can in between; the more the better. This cleans food out of the socket and soothes the area which helps the healing.
  3. Avoid biting your numb lip or cheek. The local anaesthetic lasts 1.5-2 hours in on average and often longer. Avoid any hot drinks or chewing until the numbness wears off.
  4. Bite firmly on the gauze pad for the next 30-45 minutes. Direct pressure is the best way to stop bleeding. You may need to change the gauze if bleeding continues/starts again.
  5. You must avoid the following for at least 2-3 days:
    • Alcohol: will irritate the socket as it is very strong
    • Smoking: will burn the socket, inhibit the blood supply to the area and delay/prevent healing. Smoking increases the risk of the very painful condition called ‘dry socket’. It is most critical to avoid smoking!
    • Heavy exercise: This gets the bleeding started again once the heart rate is up. Gentle movement is fine but avoid vigorous activity and heavy lifting.
  6. Pain is expected and the level is very unpredictable. It depends on the difficulty of the extraction and varies between people as well. Take at least 2 Panadol before the local anaesthetic wears off. It is better to stay ahead of the pain rather than wait for it to come on, especially for the first 2 days. It is a good idea to have some anti inflammatory tablets in the mix over the first few of days as they can really help to prevent swelling and aid healing.
    • Mild pain: 2 tablets of Panadol up to every 4 hours
    • Moderate pain: 2 Panadol plus 2 Nurofen tablets (or other anti-inflammatory) up to every 4 hours
    • Severe pain: 2 Panadiene Forte tablets (or other similar level option) up to every 4 hours, maximum 8/day
  7. Avoid asprin and disprin as these may prolong bleeding.
  8. Dry socket is a rare healing delay which presents 4-5 days after extraction. It often starts suddenly and can be extremely painful. It is not an infection but requires a sedative dressing to be placed into the socket. It is usually preventable by avoiding smoking and early rinsing of the socket which can remove the blood clot.
  9. If you have been given any antibiotics ensure you complete the whole course.
  10. Eating and drinking is fine but avoid the socket area as much as possible. Ideally favour the other side and avoid the following foods and drinks as they irritate the socket:
    • spicy eg chilli
    • hot temperature
    • acidic eg vinegar
    • sharp/hard eg crusty bread

Please contact the clinic on 95273678  if you have any problems. If you cant reach us please go to the hospital casualty department.