Extraction Information
Instructions after a dental extraction or surgical extraction
What to expect:
After an extraction it is common to experience some swelling, stiffness and
general discomfort for the next few days.
If this is excessive or concerns you, please contact us on 6331 6754
DO NOT SMOKE FOR 48 HOURS
DO NOT CONSUME ALCOHOL FOR 48 HOURS
AVOID HOT FOOD/DRINKS WHILST MOUTH IS NUMB
AVOID HEAVY EXERCISE FOR THE NEXT 24 HOURS
What To Do:
● If there is bleeding, bite firmly on gauze pack for 20mins
● If bleeding persists, seek medical attention
● Keep fingers and tongue away from the tooth
● After 24 hours, rinse gently with lukewarm, salty water twice daily
What Not To Do:
● Chew on the numb areas of your mouth
● Avoid any sucking or spitting motions
Dry Socket Information
What is Dry Socket?
A dry socket or alveolar oseitis is a common complication after a tooth
extraction. It refers to the inflammation of the bone following an extraction,
resulting in severe pain. A dry socket is not unusual, affecting about 8 % to 12%
or all tooth extractions.
Clinically a dry socket is caused when all or part of the blood clot is lost. The
gums are not able to heal properly over the extraction socket because the hole
remains open. The dry socket pain usually starts about 3 days after the tooth
extraction. It is a dull throbbing pain and the patient can often have foul
smelling breath and bad taste in the mouth. It cannot generally be relieved by
over the counter pain relief. Pain may be localised to the empty socket or it may
spread.
If you think you may be experiencing dry socket, please contact us immediately.
Causes Of Dry Socket:
The exact cause of dry socket is unknown but anything that dislodges the clot
seems to cause it. There are many different possible causes.
SMOKING: Dry sockets occur four times more often in smokers than in nonsmokers. Smoking reduces blood supply to the area and delays healing.
ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES: Women who take the pill are at a 20% higher risk of
developing dry socket.
POOR ORAL HYGIENE: Poor oral hygiene that fails to keep bacteria
concentration under control may also contribute to the problem.
PATIENTS AGE AND SEX: Older patients seem to be higher at risk then young
patients. Females are at a greater risk than males.
TOOTH LOCATION/TYPE: There is a greater incidence of dry socket after
extractions of the lower teeth and molars.
FORCEFUL SPITTING OR SUCKING: Patients should wait a day before rinsing
with warm salt water to avoid the new blood clot being forced out of the socket.
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS: These can increase the blood pressure as well as dry
the mouth and prevent healing.
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