Extraction: Please read carefully!

• NO Smoking or use of Alcohol for at least 48 hours following extraction! This can lead to severe complications.
• Do not play with your tongue in the extraction site. This may dislodge the blood clot. The blood clot is centre to the healing process and the closing of the wound. Should it become dislodged, infection and severe pain may follow.
• Be careful not to bite your lips, cheek or tongue until the anaesthetic has worn off. This may take a few hours.
• Do not drink any hot beverages for the first two hours after the extraction.
• For the first two days, eat soft foods and limit chewing to the unaffected side for the first two weeks. Take special care for food not to go into the extraction site.
• Brush the teeth very carefully after every meal, taking special care not to disrupt the blood clot.
• Should the bleeding not stop, take a piece of gauze, place it over the tooth socket and bite firmly on it for at least 30 minutes. Should bleeding not stop, contact your Dentist, or your Doctor or the nearest Casualty unit. A damp teabag may be used instead of a piece of gauze.
• Wait 24 Hours before rinsing out the mouth. Also don’t rinse with any mouthwash for the first three days, unless prompted to do so by your dentist.
• After the first 24 Hours following extraction, start rinsing the mouth with lukewarm saltwater, 3 times a day, for 3 days. The saltwater mixture can be prepared by dissolving one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm (not Hot) water.
• Mild pain and discomfort is to be expected after an extraction. However, should a throbbing pain prevail or keep you awake, or should there be severe swelling, please contact your dentist to advise you on what to do. Very often the cause is a septic tooth socket which needs to be cleaned out under local anaesthetic and medicated with an Anti-Biotic and Pain medication.
• Pain killers other than aspirin may be taken to relieve mild pain. Aspirin can thin the blood and cause extensive bleeding. Should you be using aspirin as a blood thinner, your GP or Physician will advise you on what to do.