After the tooth is extracted, the socket left behind fills with blood which clots and heals over. Do not disturb the blood clot. Do not poke at it with your tongue or finger.
Rinsing
Do not rinse the mouth for 24 hours after the extraction. After 24 hours you should start bathing the socket area with warm salt water. Dissolve a level teaspoon of common table salt in a cup of warm water. Ensure that the water is not too hot for your mouth. Take a sip of this and hold it over the socket area for just 30 seconds and then spit out. Do not vigorously rinse the socket area – just bathe it. Repeat until you have used the entire cup. Do this 4 times a day.
Bleeding
When you leave the surgery the socket will have stopped bleeding. If you disturb the wound it may start bleeding again. If this happens, take a clean handkerchief, roll it up into a sausage shape, dip into hot salt water (mixed as above), squeeze it fairly dry, place it over the wound and bite on it fairly firmly whilst resting. Rest is very important as it reduces the blood pressure. After 15 minutes remove the handkerchief and continue resting for a further 30 minutes. If bleeding continues, contact the Dental Surgeon.
Pain
After the anaesthetic wears off, there should be no more than a dull ache present, which should last for 24 hours or so. Any pain or soreness can be relieved by taking a suitable painkiller. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. If any severe pain worries you, do not hesitate to contact the Dental Surgeon.
Eating and Drinking
Do not eat until the anaesthetic has fully worn off and then eat only soft foods. Avoid chewing in the area of the extraction for at least 3 days. Drinks such as warm tea are fine, but drink them straight back and do not swill them around the socket area. Do not consume alcoholic drinks or smoke for the next 24 hours.
Work
Prolonged physical exertion is not advised until the following day at the earliest. If in doubt, ask the Dental Surgeon for advice.
Brushing
Use your toothbrush as normal but take care around the extraction site. It is important that you keep your mouth as clean as possible to allow the area to heal properly.
