After a Dental Extraction
What you should do and what to expect
Immediately (within the first day) after the treatment your mouth is still likely to be numb. Be very careful not to bite your cheek, lips or tongue during this time
Unless otherwise instructed, apply firm continuous pressure to the extraction site. This is usually done by biting down on the gauze pack you will usually be given. When doing this be mindful that
Later on (2 days onwards) the bleeding should have stopped and a blood clot will usually fill the extraction site. Do not disturb it or dig at it. The clot provides a "scaffold" or framework for healing to take place
Take your medication as prescribed.
possible complications/problems that can arise
localized in the mouth
general (whole body)
While these complications are not common they are known to occur. They are very very seldom dangerous (in the sense of being life-threatening) but their effect can and should be minimized by correct management. Contact us immediately if you suspect you might be experiencing any of these problems or if you have any doubt
Subsequent healing
Over a period of several weeks the following processes should occur and complete the healing of the extraction site
1) a "membrane" will develop over the blood clot and extraction socket
2) If there was any swelling initially this should gradually disappear
3) connective tissue will gradually replace the blood clot in the extraction socket
4) over several months the bone will grow into the extraction socket space and the surrounding bone will remodel (ie reshape itself) into a more rounded and smooth contour. Usually this results in some shrinkage of the bone which is why, if you intend to have an implant placed, it is best not to wait too long.
Immediately (within the first day) after the treatment your mouth is still likely to be numb. Be very careful not to bite your cheek, lips or tongue during this time
Unless otherwise instructed, apply firm continuous pressure to the extraction site. This is usually done by biting down on the gauze pack you will usually be given. When doing this be mindful that
- the gauze pack is actually pressing on the extraction site itself on not caught between the upper and lower teeth around the extraction site.
- the gauze pack is large enough to exert some pressure on the extraction site. In general when you bite down your teeth should not be able to meet but be about 2-3mm apart with the biting pressure being on the gauze pack only.
Later on (2 days onwards) the bleeding should have stopped and a blood clot will usually fill the extraction site. Do not disturb it or dig at it. The clot provides a "scaffold" or framework for healing to take place
Take your medication as prescribed.
possible complications/problems that can arise
localized in the mouth
- Infection/swelling
- recurrent bleeding
- persistent numbness
- jaw joint fatigue
- fracture of bone
general (whole body)
- allergic reaction / side effects of the medication - if you develop a rash, swollen eyes or unexplained widespread itching you may be allergic to one or more of the medications given
- fever/malaise - a small number of people develop a fever as the body reacts to the dental infection and the trauma of the extraction
While these complications are not common they are known to occur. They are very very seldom dangerous (in the sense of being life-threatening) but their effect can and should be minimized by correct management. Contact us immediately if you suspect you might be experiencing any of these problems or if you have any doubt
Subsequent healing
Over a period of several weeks the following processes should occur and complete the healing of the extraction site
1) a "membrane" will develop over the blood clot and extraction socket
2) If there was any swelling initially this should gradually disappear
3) connective tissue will gradually replace the blood clot in the extraction socket
4) over several months the bone will grow into the extraction socket space and the surrounding bone will remodel (ie reshape itself) into a more rounded and smooth contour. Usually this results in some shrinkage of the bone which is why, if you intend to have an implant placed, it is best not to wait too long.