Extractions

After the extraction of a tooth, it is important for the blood to clot to stop the bleeding. This will then allow the healing process to begin. To do this, bite on a medical gauze pad for 30 to forty minutes after extraction.

If bleeding or discharge continues, bite down firmly on another pad firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to ensure the bleeding will clot properly.

After the clot forms, it is important to protect it by ensuring the following:

• Do not smoke
• Do not suck through a straw
• Do not rinse vigorously
• Do not clean the extrusion site
• Limit yourself to calm activities for 24 hours

After the tooth has been extracted you may feel pain or swelling afterwards. To ease this you may apply an ice pack for 20 minutes, then 20 minutes off. The swelling will go down after 48 hours. You may also take pain killers to control the discomfort, but do not take on an empty stomach, and follow the dosage instructions on the pack.

If antibiotics have been prescribed, continue to take them until the course has been finished, even if all signs of infection have gone.

We advise you drink lots of fluids, and eat only nutritious soft foods. You must avoid alcohol as well as hot and spicy foods.

After 24 hours, we recommend you rinse three times a day with salt water (tea spoon of salt in a cup of warm water) to reduce the pain and swelling.