After having your tooth removed it is important to follow these instructions.

This will help your mouth to heal as quickly as possible and prevent infection.

Taking anticoagulant drugs (eg Aspirin or Warfarin) can make it more difficult for your blood to clot.  If you are taking anticoagulants, it is especially important you look after the blood clot that forms after having your tooth removed, so you do not start bleeding again.

  • Rest for 2-3 hours after the extraction, while the anaesthetic wears off and the blood clot forms.
  • Avoid rinsing your mouth out for the first 24 hours If you rinse your mouth you will wash away the blood clot and you may start bleeding again.
  • Avoid sucking hard or disturbing the clot with your tongue
  • Eat on the opposite side to avoid disturbing the blood clot. Avoid hot food & drinks, spicy foods and hard or chewy foods.  Allow your food to cool down before eating.
  • Keep your mouth as clean as possible. Starting the day after the extraction, gently rinse your mouth after every meal with hot salt mouthwashes (1 teaspoon of salt dissolved in warm water).  The heat will soothe your mouth and the salt will help your mouth to heal much faster. We also advise that you use Corsodyl mouthwash, twice a day for ten days after the extraction to help stop infection from forming.  You can buy Corsodyl mouthwash at our reception.
  • Brush your other teeth twice a day as normal taking care to be very gentle around the socket area.
  • DO NOT SMOKE or VAPE for at least 48 hours

The chemicals in cigarettes/vapes cause severe pain and infection in the socket.

  • DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL for at least 48 hours

Alcohol thins your blood making you more likely to start bleeding again.

  • If you are having discomfort or tenderness, take a painkiller:

Either:         Paracetamol, 2 x 500mg tablets, 4 times daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner, bed)

Or:              Ibuprofen (neurofen), 2 x 200mg tablets, 3 times daily (11am, 3pm, 8pm)

If the discomfort is severe you can take both Paracetamol and Ibuprofen as above.

  Avoid taking Ibuprofen if you are taking anticoagulants or if you suffer from asthma or stomach problems.

  • It will normally take around 2-3 weeks for your mouth to heal.
  • If you feel small, sharp pieces of bone working their way out of the socket, don’t worry, this is normal.

 If bleeding continues or restarts:

Fold a clean, damp hankie, tissue or gauze pad into a sausage shape and bite firmly for 20 minutes.  Repeat if necessary.

Avoid hot liquids and hard foods for the rest of the day and avoid chewing on the affected side until you are sure the blood clot has formed.

If the bleeding does not stop, contact us on: Deveron Dental Centre (01466) 794089