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Extractions

It is common to experience swelling, bleeding and discomfort after dental extractions, however if you are experiencing the following conditions you should contact your dentist immediately.
 

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Feverish

  • Profound bleeding
     

If you are unable to contact the dentist, please contact the emergency department at your local hospital.
 

Some bleeding is normal, this includes blood in the saliva when spitting and dried blood stains on the pillow. This normally ceases within 2-3 days, however, patients on blood thinners may take a longer period of time before recovery.

Bleeding

If the bleeding hasn’t stopped, do not panic. This is normal, however, it can be managed. You have been provided with a packet of sterile gauze. With clean hands, place the sterile gauze on the site of the wound and apply pressure as you bite down. If you have run out of sterile gauze, a moist tea bag is also very effective.

Swelling

The swelling typically reaches its maximum after 2-3 days. You can minimize the swelling by applying pressure and a cold pack to the affected area of the face up to 48 hours after the procedure. Apply the cold pack for 10 minutes and off for 10 minutes and repeat.


After several days when the bleeding has stopped, you may apply a heat pack for 20 minutes and off for 10 minutes. This will accelerate the healing process and reduce the swelling. Only use a heat pack that is comfortable to touch. Excessively hot heat packs may result in burns. Do not use a heat pack if the wound is still bleeding as this may increase the severity of the bleeding.

Discomfort

Avoid taking aspirin unless prescribed by your doctor. Only use paracetamol if you do not suffer from paracetamol allergy. If ineffective, please contact us during our operating hours for advice.


After 24 hours (48 hours for patients on blood thinners), mix a teaspoon of salt to a small glass of warm water and use as a mouth rinse. Be very gentle when swooshing the mouth rinse to avoid aggravating the blood clot. This accelerates the healing process and provides some pain relief.

Disclaimer: The information presented here is intended to be used by A'Beckett St. Dental patients only. The information provided here is general and may not necessarily be suitable for the type of treatment you have received. A'Beckett St. Dental and its associates cannot be liable for the information presented here as it is intended as a general guide only and this information is not a substitute for professional advice. Patients should always seek first hand advice from a dental professional and should use the information provided here only when no other options are available.

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