Extraction Care
Removal of Tooth Care Instructions
BANDAGING
Bite firmly on the gauze pad for 15 to 30 minutes. This acts as a bandage for the new wound. If bleeding persists, place firm pressure on the socket by placing a gauze pad or tissue on the wound then bite firmly on this. Expect minor bleeding for the next few hours.
MINIMISE TRAUMA TO THE HEALING SOCKET
For the first 24 hours after an extraction or surgery:
Avoid rinsing your mouth.
Avoid any strenuous activity.
Avoid excessively hot or cold food or drinks.
No smoking or drinking alcohol.
The first 24 hours is very important for the first layers of newly forming gum and healing tissues to grow over the exposed bone.
EXTRAS
Place an icepack on the outside of the cheek next to the surgical site as soon as possible in order to minimise any swelling.
ACHES
Different people experience a different amount of pain after an extraction. This is also related to the complexity and seriousness of the extraction.
In general, it takes 3 to 7 days for the initial healing, and from 3 to 6 months for the new gum and bone to stabilise into its final form. The ache may persist for up to about 2 weeks, but will be diminishing constantly. Surgery will take longer to recover from.
EMERGENCIES
If you have any problems or questions, please call your TLC dentist as soon as possible.
If you are unable to contact us, please seek treatment form your local hospital, emergency medical centre or emergency dentist.
ANALGESIC PAINKILLERS
Nurofen and Panadeine are good for pain relief.
Try to take the painkiller before the numbness from the anaesthetic wears off totally. This can make the painkiller more effective.
If you require stronger pain relief, your TLC dentist will prescribe you with stronger analgesics.
HYGIENE
Rinse mouth with lukewarm saltwater after the first 24 hours.
Rinse 3-4 times per day until the wound has healed.
WHAT ARE SOME HEALING PROBLEMS THAT I COULD ENCOUNTER ?
Bone spurs or sequestrae may slow the healing process. If this occurs, the spurs can be removed by your TLC dentist.
Root tip remnants may remain deep in the bone. Occasionally, these may delay healing, but they usually cause no problems and eventually rise to the gum surface where they are easily removed.
Dry Sockets are an infection of the socket usually related to cigarette smoking too soon after an extraction. Very strong pain is usually experienced and a sedative antibacterial dressing needs to be placed into the socket by your TLC dentist.
General Infections tend to occur in those who initially had a severe infection of the bone or tooth, or where your immune system is weak. Treatment is usually through use of antibiotics and socket irrigation.
All of these problems are quite rare, but if you are unsure about anything, please call your TLC dentist.