EXTRACTIONS/ORAL SURGERY
The instructions below will provide useful information that will assist in your healing. These are designed to be general guidelines. Remember, everyone recovers differently. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
1 The mouth will be numb for about two hours. Do not bite, scratch, or injure the cheek, lips, or tongue during this time
2 Bite on the piece of gauze for an hour. After an hour remove it. You may bite on gauze or a tea bag for another 30 minutes if it is still bleeding. Small amounts of blood in the saliva can make your saliva appear quite red and this can continue for a whole day. This is quite normal.
3 Swallow all your blood and saliva as this helps in forming a stable blood clot.
4 DO NOT take anything hot for at least two days. Cold water, cold milk and ice creams are good as they reduce the bleeding.
5 After 24 hours, wash your mouth with warm salt water (1 glass of warm water + 1 tea spoon salt) three times a day for at least one week
6 DO NOT disturb the wound by placing your tongue or finger there as this can cause the wound to become infected
7 Brush in the morning and at night and keep the area clean. This will allow the wound to heal faster.
8 Some pain and discomfort is normal after an extraction, take medications as prescribed by us to minimise the effects.
9 Avoid smoking after extractions as this reduces the chances of healing of the wound. Smoking can also lead to a condition known as Dry Socket where the wound does not heal and is very painful.
Please call us if you have:
- Uncontrollable pain
- Excessive or severe bleeding
- Marked fever
- Excessive warm swelling occurring a few days after the procedure
- Reactions to medications, especially rash, itching, or breathing problems