Extractions

What should I expect?

• Some slight bleeding is normal for a day or so – this can be controlled with pressure over the area.
• Your dentist will advise you about using painkillers to help ease any pain.
• Some swelling and bruising is normal and usually at its worst on the second day, but should disappear within a week or two.
• You might also have difficulty opening your mouth wide; again this generally returns to normal within a week or two.
• Any stitches you have will fall out by themselves in about 2-4 weeks.
• You may need to take time off work or school – your dentist will advise you about this.

Self-care advice

To reduce pain and aid your recovery, it can be helpful to:

• Use painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen
• Avoid strenuous activity and exercise for a few days
• Use an extra pillow to support your head at night
• For 24 hours, avoid rinsing, spitting, hot drinks or anything else that may dislodge the blood clots that form in the empty tooth socket (they help the healing process)
• Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for 24 hours
• Eat soft or liquid food for a few days and chew with your other teeth
• Gently rinse the extraction site with an antiseptic mouthwash after 24 hours, and repeat this regularly over the next few days, particularly after eating
• You can drive immediately after the procedure if local anaesthetic was used, but you should avoid driving for at least 24 hours if a sedative was used, or 48 hours if the procedure was carried out under general anaesthetic.