Post Extraction Instructions

The gauze placed by your dentist should remain in place and under pressure for a minimum of 45 minutes (then disposed of thoughtfully). After that, if necessary, or if you feel that it is still bleeding a lot, you may bite on another piece of folded gauze (supplied in pack) for another 30 minutes.

For the rest of the 1st day, DO NOT keep spiting or rinsing your mouth. That will only make the bleeding worse. It is safe to swallow your own blood, and usually it is just a very small amount of blood mixing with your own saliva. Take two pain killers if feel needed (Panadol or Neurofen supplied in pack). Slight pain is to be expected and can be treated with pain killers. If pain is intense, may take Panadeine Forte (supplied in pack as well).

DO NOT eat anything, or drink anything hot, until the anaesthetic wears off and the numbness goes away. You may then eat anything you feel comfortable, however hot food/drink on the day of extraction will usually cause slight discomfort.

Brushing your teeth is still recommended on the same day. Just be gentle. Start warm salt water baths (1 heaped teaspoon of salt water in a glass of luke warm water) in the extraction area on the same night of the extraction. This will keep the socket clean and help prevent secondary infection. Avoid rinsing too vigorously as this may induce bleeding. Mouth baths should be carried out after every meal for at least 5 days.

DO NOT smoke or drink alcohol for the next few days to avoid delaying healing. No vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours. If you develop a Dry Socket (bad taste, severe pain) a few days after the extraction, contact us immediately for an emergency appointment so that we can place a special medicament dressing for you. There is no extra charge for this service. Antibiotic from your medical GP will only temporarily suppress it.