ADVICE FOLLOWING EXTRACTIONS UNDER LOCAL ANAESTHETIC

DO NOT rinse your mouth today, it will cause bleeding. From tomorrow, we suggest you swish out your mouth with warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt to 1 cup of water) morning, noon & night. After this you can brush your teeth gently but mind your stitches, if any are present.

AVOID anything too hot to eat or drink, stick to soft food until you can chew comfortably. Try to avoid chewing on the affected side for the next 24 hours. Ensure there is no debris left in the extraction socket after meals. Soft food include: eggs, soup, bread and porridge.

DO NOT participate in any strenuous activities, remember you have had a minor operation so please take things easy.

DO NOT SMOKE within 48 hours of your extraction, as this may cause severe infections and/or excessive bleeding, as well as other complications.

RESTRICTED MOUTH OPENING: Mouth opening is usually restricted following the extraction for about a week or so. But this will return to normal.

STITCHES: You will be informed if you have had stitches placed after the procedure. These stitches should dissolve on their own.

PAIN: Dental operations can cause discomfort for about 1-2 weeks afterwards. Ibuprofen & Paracetamol can be taken together for moderate pain.

BRUISING: This may appear on your face or neck. Do not worry this is quite normal and soon goes away.

SWELLING: You may suffer from swelling. It takes up to five days to return to normal.

NUMBNESS: After some extractions your tongue or lip may become numb. This is only transient, but in some cases may last for an indefinite period (especially wisdom teeth extractions).

BLEEDING: Should bleeding start when you get home, you should:

NOT RINSE OUT YOUR MOUTH

Place the spare gauze we have provided over the bleeding site and bite down firmly and continuously for 10-20 minutes and repeat if required.

Brushing your teeth: Avoid brushing around the operated area for 24 hours.

If Corsodyl mouthwash is prescribed use this twice daily or as directed. Pour 10ml into the cap and gently rinse the mouth for three minutes.

Salt water rinse: If you can tolerate it, rinse the affected area with luke-warm salt water gently at least 3-4 times a day, starting 24 hours after the operation.

If you have had any antibiotics prescribed, complete the course as directed. This should help to prevent any infection of the tooth socket. Note: If you take the ‘pill’, it is not considered a safe method of contraception during an antibiotic course and for the rest of the menstrual cycle.

Please ensure that you are kept hydrated with water during the healing period.

General pain/concerns, please contact your OWN Dental practice or Dentaline.

IF THE BLEEDING DOES NOT STOP OR THE PATIENT BECOMES UNWELL, PLEASE CONTACT THE SURGERY ON 01634 260413 OR VISIT YOUR LOCAL A&E.