What should I do after a tooth extraction?

If you have had a tooth extracted at our clinic, we advise you to follow the instructions below for complication-free healing.

• For 2 hours, do not remove the gauze pads placed by the dentist over the extraction site, so that a blood clot can form in the tooth socket. Do not change the gauze pads and keep biting down firmly on them. If bleeding continues after the 2 hours, once you have thrown the pads away, go to a pharmacy and buy a pack of sterile gauze pads. Place a new set of pads over the extraction site and bite down firmly for another two hours.

• For 12 hours after removing the gauze pads, avoid rinsing your mouth vigorously so as not to dislodge the newly formed blood clot;
• If you smoke, you are advised to stop smoking for at least 24 hours, as cigarette smoke can destroy the blood clot that has formed and lead to infection;
• Normal tooth brushing can be resumed from the day after the extraction, avoiding the extraction site for 4-5 days;
• avoid strenuous physical activity (sport) for at least one day;
• The trauma caused by the extraction may make the area swell. This swelling peaks in the first 48 hours after the procedure and then gradually goes down. To keep swelling to a minimum, apply ice to the area for 10 minutes followed by a 20-minute break, then another 10 minutes with a 20-minute break, repeating this cycle as often as you can in the first 24 hours after the extraction;
• For a few days, avoid hard foods or foods that may injure the area;
• For 1-2 days, avoid food and drink that is too hot or too cold (hot tea, ice cream, etc.);
• For a few days, avoid dairy products (milk, yoghurt, cream), as they contain a rich microbial flora that can lead to infection of the blood clot through the growth of other bacteria;
• If you are in pain, you can take mild painkillers;
• If you have been prescribed anti-inflammatories or antibiotics, follow the instructions you have been given exactly;
• Come in for a check-up the day after the extraction or, if you have been given other instructions about when to come in, follow those. You do not need an appointment for the check-up;
• If you have had stitches, they will need to be removed after 7-10 days, depending on the nature of your procedure;
• Please do contact us if you have any questions at all about your extraction.

We wish you a speedy recovery!