Tooth extraction after care

A blood clot will form in the socket where the tooth has been removed.

This blood clot is necessary for good healing of the wound and should not be disturbed. It is your body’s natural healing process. You can help this healing process by following the simple points below:

• Do not drink or eat for three hours after tooth extraction. We recommend eating soft food and to chew on the other side of your mouth.
• Do not suck or touch the wound (this includes sticking your finger or tongue in the wound) as this can dislodge the blood clot and may lead to infection or bleeding.
• Do not rinse your mouth out. You may drink normally but don’t rinse and spit out for 24 hours.
• Stay relaxed and take it easy for the rest of the day. Do not do any bending, heavy lifting
  or exercise.
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 to 48 hours. This is important because it can cause an infection in
  the wound.
• Do not smoke for 24 to 48 hours. This is important because it can increase your risk of developing a painful condition called dry socket which is inflammation in the bone.
• Do not take aspirin as it thins the blood and could cause bleeding to start again. Continue to take routine medication as normal. If your GP has prescribed aspirin for a heart condition, please notify your dentist.

General guidance

• In your take away pack you will find a cotton wool roll, like the one you were given to bite on after the extraction by the dentist. If the socket starts to bleed again you may dampen the cotton wool roll, roll it up, place it over the wound and bite firmly for 30 minutes while sitting quietly. This should stop any further bleeding. If bleeding continues and you are concerned please contact the number below. If it is out of normal working hours and the bleeding is heavy or prolonged attend your local Accident and Emergency department.
• Be careful while you are numb from the local anaesthetic as you may bite your cheek or lip. While this may not be painful whilst you’re numb, it will be painful when the feeling comes back.
• Ensure hot drinks are not too hot as this may scald you.
• When, or if you look into your mouth later, you may notice some blood. You can just swallow this normally and have a sip of water if required. Remember that a little bit of blood mixed with your saliva will look a lot but in fact it is probably minimal.
• Soreness around the area may persist for a day or two after the procedure. If needed you may take your normal painkillers. Remember to avoid aspirin or any medication containing aspirin unless you are prescribed it by your GP for heart conditions. If this is the case you should notify your dentist.
• You may find it helpful to cover your pillow with a towel when you go to bed as this will soak up any residue saliva and blood which may dribble in the night.
• 24 hours after your extraction you may rinse your mouth with a salt water wash. Add a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water and rinse gently two to three times a day for three days.

Always consult your dentist if you have any questions or you are concerned about anything.

Emergency treatment

If you need urgent daytime dental care, please phone 111.

For emergency appointments, outside of our normal opening hours, please contact the service.