Post Extraction Care

 The most important thing that facilitates healing is maintenance and protection of the blood clot in the socket site.

The following steps will optimise healing, prevent bleeding and relieve soreness:

REST: Rest for a few hours following treatment and avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day.

RINSING: Do not rinse for the rest of the day. It is important to take care of the socket during the next few days. From the day after the extraction, you should rinse round gently and bathe the socket with warm salt water. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in ½ glass of warm water. This should be done at least twice daily for at least 5 days after extraction. Brush your teeth as normal near the extraction site.

FOOD: Try to avoid chewing food on the site of the extraction.

BLEEDING: Should slight bleeding occur, bite on a pad of gauze or tissue clamped firmly between the opposing teeth and the extraction site for 10 minutes - repeat if necessary.

PAIN: Make sure you have painkillers on hand for the next 72 hours i.e. paracetamol or ibuprofen. If possible take some painkillers within the first hour after extraction. This will minimise post-op pain when the anaesthetic is wearing off.

If excessive bleeding, undue pain or other symptoms occur contact us on 0117 973 3308 for advice without delay.

The emergency out-of-hours contact number is 111 but this is only for severe emergencies.