Aftercare
Extractions of teeth and molars
Here are some instructions and advice for home care to help minimize and shorten any discomfort after your surgery. Please read this guide thoroughly and keep it for reference!
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After the extraction of a tooth or molar, you will be asked to bite on a piece of gauze for approximately 30 minutes. This helps stop the bleeding from the wound. Afterward, you can remove and discard the gauze.
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Any stitches placed during the procedure will typically dissolve on their own within 10–14 days.
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Do not rinse your mouth on the first day, as this can cause the wound to start bleeding again.
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You can reduce swelling by cooling your cheek with a cold pack on the first day. However, swelling may persist for 2–3 days following the procedure.
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You can eat and drink as usual after the procedure. However, avoid hot food and drinks while the anesthesia is still effective to prevent burns.
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If you were prescribed pain relief, mouthwash, or antibiotics, please follow the oral surgeon’s instructions regarding their use.
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Starting the day after the procedure, rinse the wound thoroughly after meals to prevent food particles from getting trapped. You can use a mouthwash or make a salt solution (1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of water). Also, use the syringe (Monoject) provided to you after the procedure.
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You may feel some stiffness in your jaws and chewing muscles during the first few days. To ease this, follow a soft diet for the initial days.
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By following these instructions and advice carefully, most normal symptoms, such as pain and swelling, should subside on their own within 4–5 days.
What to do in case of problems and/or complications?
Bleeding
Some blood loss in the first few days after the procedure is normal, often appearing as slight blood mixing with saliva. However, if there is continuous bright red bleeding from the wound, this is considered a postoperative bleed.
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Rinse the wound thoroughly to remove any visible clots.
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Bite on a piece of gauze for 30 minutes.
In most cases, the bleeding will stop on its own. If necessary, repeat the process. If the bleeding does not stop despite these measures, please contact us.
Pain
Some pain after the procedure is normal. If needed, you will be given a prescription for pain relief after the treatment. You may also take additional paracetamol if required.
If pain and/or swelling do not decrease or worsen after 4–5 days, please contact us, preferably in the morning so we can arrange to see you the same day if possible.
You can reach us at the following phone number: (076) 205 0608
NB:
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Outside office hours you will be transferred to the emergency number of the dental surgeon on duty.
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The emergency number is only intended for serious complaints, not for complaints that can wait until a normal working day.
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The emergency line is only for patients who have undergone treatment with us within 2 weeks.
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As a patient, you must contact us yourself and not have someone call for you.
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The costs of a telephone consultation (€69.48) will be charged for calling the emergency number.
