Advice

 

Post Operative Advice – Tooth Extraction

Following  an extraction, it's important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. That's why we  ask you to bite on a dressing of  gauze  for 30 minutes after an extraction.

If bleeding or oozing continues after you remove the gauze, place another gauze or cotton handkerchief on the area and bite firmly for another 30 minutes.  Dont use tissue/cotton wool as this will only draw more blood out.      You may have to do this several times. 

After the blood clot forms,   it's important to protect it,   especially for the next 24 hours.

Avoid food/drink for at least 3hrs, and when you do eat be careful not to disturb the extraction site.

Avoid smoking as this delays the healing process and can cause an infection in the tooth socket.

Avoid rinsing vigorously or disturbing the extraction site as this may cause the  blot clot to be dislodged and bleeding to restart.

Limit yourself to calm activities for the first 24 hours. This keeps your blood pressure lower, reduces bleeding, and helps the healing process.

After the tooth is extracted, you may feel some pain and have some swelling.  The swelling usually starts to go down after 48 hours.

To control discomfort, you may take over the counter pain medication as recommended.

After at least 6 hrs or the following morning gently rinse your mouth with warm salty water  3 times a day (put a teaspoon or two of salt in a cup of warm water and then gently rinse).  Also, rinse gently after meals. This helps keep food out of the extraction site.

It's very important to resume your normal oral hygiene regimen after 24 hours.  This should include brushing your teeth and tongue and flossing at least once a day.  This will speed healing and help keep your breath and mouth fresh.   Call the practice  right away if you have heavy bleeding,  severe pain,  continued swelling after two or three days.

 

 

Post Operative Advice  -  Restorations (fillings, crowns etc)

Numbness due to local anaesthetic usually subsides in approximately 1 to 3 hours after the procedure.  It is very important not to chew on the numb side (to prevent biting tongue, lip, etc.)  Ideally you would avoid hot drinks and food until after the anaesthetic has worn off.

Your tooth (or teeth) may be sensitive to hot, cold or pressure from this procedure. This is COMPLETELY normal. The more invasive the procedure, the more sensitivity you may experience. The possible symptoms of hot, cold or pressure will cease within a few days to a couple of weeks.  In very few instances, this sensitivity could last longer than a couple of weeks.  As long as your teeth or gums are continuing to feel better, (not staying the same, or getting worse) everything is fine. There is no need for concern.

If your treatment involves crowns/bridges,   then you will most likely have a temporary crown fitted at the preparation stage.

It is extremely important for the temporary crown/bridge to remain on the tooth until we seat your permanent crown.  If your temporary crown becomes loose or comes off at any time, please call the practice.  Your tooth can move within a few hours if your temporary is missing, which can inhibit the placement of your permanent crown. You may also experience sensitivity if your temporary comes off.

Please note: With your temporary crown, avoid hard and chewy foods (such as ice, chewing gum or toffees!!).        These are known to pull temporary crowns off the prepared tooth.

 

 

 

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