Dental Information

Post Extraction

INSTRUCTIONS TO PATIENTS FOLLOWING DENTAL EXTRACTIONS

1. Be careful not to bite or burn yourself whilst you are still numb (frozen).
2. The numbness will wear off after about 4 hours.
3. When the numbness wears off you may take pain killers if the area is sore,
   e.g. Paracetamol, or whatever you would normally take for a
   headache.
4. You may feel tired after a dental extraction, if you do, please take it easy
   for the rest of the day.
5. Vigorous exercise may cause the socket to bleed. Please avoid exercise,
   e.g. running around or standing on your head!
6. Other factors which may cause the socket to bleed are excessive alcohol
   and smoking, please avoid these.
7. If bleeding does occur then please roll up a clean handkerchief and bite on it
   for 10-15 minutes or until bleeding stops.
8. Please do not rinse your mouth for 24 hours’ as this may dislodge the
   blood clot.
9. After 24 hours you may gently rinse your mouth with a warm salt water
   mouthwash, e.g. 1 teaspoon of salt in a tumbler full of warm water from the
   kettle (not the tap).
10. Do not put your tongue or finger into the socket.
11. If you are unduly worried, in pain or bleeding excessively, then please
    contact the surgery on 01626 212121.

IT IS QUITE NORMAL FOR THE SOCKET TO OOZE SLIGHTLY WITH BLOOD FOR COUPLE OF HOURS FOLLOWING AN EXTRACTION.