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Post-extraction instruction

By The Dentist

 Instructions should include both What to do and Why it is important! You would have come across post-extraction instructions in your dentist’s office, but do you know the significance of these instructions? Read on to more....

Before going for an extraction,
  • Patients MUST carry previous health reports and medications if they are under any treatment.
  • Never withhold any information regarding your health. What should you notify your dentist before hand, 
  Any medications/ treatment (chemotherapy, dialysis) you are under, 
  Any diagnosed systemic illness- hypertension, diabetes, cardiac problems, seizures, bleeding disorders, renal (kidney) etc.
  If you are a pregnant or a lactating mother, 
  Any recent hospitalization or surgery, 
  If you are experiencing breathing difficulties, 
   Not revealing any health conditions can have serious consequences. Do not ignore any of the above; thinking it is not related to teeth, EVERYTHING IS INTER-RELATED.
  • Have your meal and take any usual medications before going for an extraction, unless you are requested otherwise.
  • Do not get anxious. The procedure will be performed only under local anesthesia so you will not feel any pain. Even though you can feel the touch and pressure in that region YOU WILL NOT SENSE PAIN.
  • Bring someone with you to the clinic. You may need help to get to home after the procedure.
  • If you experience any dizziness or an aura during the procedure, immediately notify your dentist.
  • After tooth is extracted, you may experience some discomfort and notice some swelling. It is normal and goes away by taking medication.
WHAT NOT TO DO?
  • Do not spit out blood or cotton or saliva after leaving the dentist’s office.
  • Do not drink or eat anything for 30 minutes after extraction.
  • Do not rinse vigorously on the day of extraction.
  • Do not use straw to drink for 24 hours.
  • Do not suck on the extraction site.
  • Avoid using toothbrush for first 24 hours.
    Doing any of the above can dislodge the clot formed in the extraction site. This can hinder healing and cause unwanted complications (dry socket)

  • Do not smoke – Smoking prolongs healing process and causes dry socket (explained later in this post)
  • Do not consume alcohol as long as you are taking medications – Alcohol can react with the prescribed drugs and produces allergic reactions.
  • Avoid doing strenuous exercise for 2-3 days – Medications can cause drowsiness. Also exercise can increase blood flow thus causing bleeding in extracted site.
  • Avoid ingesting hot food substances – Hot food/ drink can increase pain.
  • Numbness can last for 1-2 hours; avoid biting on lips and tongue during this period – This can cause serious wound especially in kids.
WHAT TO DO?
  • Bite on the rolled gauze for at least 20-30 minutes. And remove it using your hand – This helps to stop bleeding.
  • If active bleeding occurs after leaving the dentist’s office, sit up rather than lying down and bite on gauze or a cotton ball or a clean cloth. If bleeding persists for more than 30 minutes, you must visit your dentist’s office as soon as possible.
  • On the day of extraction, take a lot of cold liquids. Follow soft and semi-solid diet for 3-5 days – This helps in healing as hard food can injure the extracted area.
WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME?
  • Place ice packs overlying the extracted site outside the mouth – 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off for 2-3 hours - This can reduce swelling and pain.
  • Brush and floss as normal from the next day. But be extra careful around the extraction site.
  • From the following day GENTLY rinse the mouth with warm salt water for 5-7 days – This helps in healing by preventing the extracted site from infection as an adjunct to medications.
DRY SOCKET:-

   It is the most common complication following extraction which can be prevented by religiously following above mentioned instructions.
   When you get dry socket, typically you will experience intense pain from 2-3 days after extraction.
   You may have bad breathe. Under these circumstances you must seek professional help.
You cannot blame your dentist for this, as it solely depends on your deeds.
   Dry socket results when the extracted site is infected or the clot (which is essential for healing) gets dislodged.
   This can be treated by your dentist by cleaning and inducing fresh bleeding in the socket.
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