Extraction Procedure:
Initially an x-ray of the tooth will be taken. This x-ray gives us a clear picture of the tooth and helps us to decide on the best way to remove the tooth. Local Anaesthetic will be administered so that the procedure is pain free and comfortable for our patient.

Once the tooth has been removed, we place a piece of gauze over the extraction site and ask the patient to bite down firmly on it. This helps to stop bleeding at the extraction site and a blood clot to form in the socket. We advise avoiding rigorous rinsing and spitting for the first 24 hours after an extraction to ensure the blood clot remains in place.

Some degree of swelling and pain are normal after an extraction and should be expected. This can be alleviated through the use of regular analgesia and by following our post operative instructions following an extraction.

Post Operative Instructions following an Extraction

1. Rest:

Take it easy for the rest of the day. Take as little exercise as you can, and rest as much as you can. Keep your head up to avoid any bleeding.

2. Rinsing:

Do not rinse the area for the first 24 hours. This will help your mouth to start healing. It is important to allow the socket to heal, and you must be careful not to damage the blood clot by eating on that side or letting your tongue disturb it as this can allow infection into the socket and affect healing.

3. Eating & Drinking:

Avoid hot food or drinks until the local anaesthetic wears off. This is important as you cannot feel pain properly and may burn or scald your mouth. Also be careful not to chew your cheek. This is quite a common problem, which can happen when there is no feeling. This is especially important for parents to take note of if their child has had a local anaesthetic. Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours, as this can encourage bleeding and delay healing. Eat and drink lukewarm food as normal but avoid chewing on that area of your mouth.

4. Cleaning:

Please continue to brush your teeth as normal. Take care not to disturb the healing socket. It is important to keep your mouth and the extraction site as clean as possible, making sure that the socket is kept clear of all food and debris. Don’t rinse for the first 24 hours. After this time a salt-water rinse can be used for a few days. This involves putting a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gently rinsing around the socket twice a day to help clean and heal the area.

5. Bleeding:

The first thing to remember is that there may be some slight bleeding for the first day or so. Many people are concerned about the amount of bleeding. This is due to the fact that a small amount of blood is mixed with a larger amount of saliva, which looks more dramatic than it is. If you do notice bleeding, do not rinse out, but apply pressure to the socket. Bite firmly on a folded piece of clean cotton material such as a handkerchief for at least 15 minutes. Make sure this is placed directly over the extraction site and that the pad is replaced if necessary. If the bleeding has not stopped after an hour or two contact the clinic immediately at 021 4295556.

6. Pain:

There will usually be some tenderness in the area for the first few days, and in most cases some simple pain relief (paracetamol & ibuprofen) will be enough to ease the discomfort. What you would normally take for a headache should be enough. However, always follow the manufacturers instructions, and if in doubt check with your doctor first. Do not take aspirin, as this can make your mouth bleed. This happens because aspirin can thin the blood slightly. Asthma sufferers should avoid Ibuprofen-based pain relief. Check with your dentist or pharmacist if you are worried or feel you need something stronger.

7. Smoking:

We recommend you avoid cigarettes and other tobacco products for as long as you can, but especially in the first 24 hours, following an extraction. Smoking can delay the healing of the extraction site and in some cases can increase the risk of post operative infection (dry socket).

8. Stitches/Sutures:

If you have had stitches (sutures) placed after an extraction please do not touch them or pull at them. You should return to the clinic one week after the extraction to have these stitches removed unless dissolvable sutures were placed. This will be explained to you by the team.

9. Infection (Dry Socket):

Sometimes an infection can occur in the tooth socket which can be very painful. This is where there is little or no blood clot in the tooth socket and the bony socket walls are exposed and become infected. This is called a dry socket. In this case, it is important to contact your dentist who may place a dressing in the socket and prescribe a course of antibiotics to help treat the infection. You may also feel the sharp edge of the socket with your tongue and sometimes small pieces of bone may work their way to the surface of the socket. This is perfectly normal.