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Extractions
Why do I need an extraction?
An extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the bone. If a tooth has been broken or damaged by decay, trauma or other causes and is unrestorable, it may be necessary to remove it in order to prevent pain and infection.
In some instances, seemingly healthy teeth may require extraction prior to orthodontic treatment to allow for more space to properly align the teeth.
What about wisdom teeth?
Impacted or malpositioned wisdom teeth may cause infection or damage to adjacent teeth and require extraction. Generally, they can be extracted by your dentist, but in more complex case, you may be referred to a specialist oral surgeon within the practice. The specialist may need to remove the tooth surgically, which involves raising a gum flap and removing some bone to expose the impacted tooth.


Will it hurt?
If a tooth extraction is needed, we will provide a local anaesthetic to ensure the area is numb and any discomfort is kept to a minimum.
Is the procedure safe?
Yes. When performed by qualified professionals, an extraction is absolutely safe. If necessary, we will provide a special dressing to protect the exposed socket after treatment, too.
However, it is important to let your dentist know of any medical conditions you may have and any medications that you are taking as extra care may need to be taken in your particular circumstances.
What should I do after an extraction?
Avoid hot food or drinks until the anaesthetic wears off. This is important as your ability to feel pain may be impaired, which can result in you burning or scalding your mouth. You should also take care not to chew your cheek. For the rest of the day, you should rest. Try to keep your head higher for the first night using an extra pillow if possible. It is also a good idea to use an old pillowcase, or put a towel on the pillow, in case you bleed a little.

- It is recommended that you firmly bite on a gauze pad for 20 – 30 minutes following the procedure. If your socket starts bleeding then bite down hard on the extra gauze that you will have been given for 10-15 minutes to form a new clot. After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot, especially for the first 24 hours. Some post-op bleeding is perfectly normal so you could try to keep your head higher for the first night using an extra pillow if possible. It is also a good idea to use an old pillowcase, or put a towel on the pillow, in case you bleed a little.
- We recommend to not eat or drink for two hours after the procedure. Also, try to avoid hot drinks or foods for the rest of the day. Luke warm drinks will be alright after 2 hours. A soft diet is advisable for the first 24 – 48 hours.
- Some post – op pain and discomfort are expected. Taking whichever painkillers, you normally use is advised, or whatever is prescribed by the dentist.
- If antibiotics have been prescribed, you must take them as directed and not cut the course short.
- We advise to reduce exercise for the first 24 hours. This will keep blood pressure lower, which will reduce the risk of bleeding.
- You can and should brush your teeth after an extraction, however, try not to brush too close to the extraction site for the first 24 hours. This is to not disturb the blood clot and cause additional trauma to the wound.
- Vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the affected area following surgery should be avoided. This may initiate bleeding caused by dislodging the blood clot that has formed. Do not rinse your mouth for the first post-operative day or while there is bleeding, however, gentle salt water rinsing the following day is advised.
- If swelling should occur, an ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in a towel can be applied on the affected area of the face for 30 minutes on/ 30 minutes off for 1-2 hours.
- Smoking, alcoholic or carbonated beverages should be avoided for 24 hours after extraction.
- Look out for symptoms of dry socket which is an infection of the extraction site. These can include a dull aching pain which appears 3 – 4 days post – operatively, tenderness of the gums around the socket, shooting pain in the jaw. Do not hesitate to contact the practice if this occurs, so the dental team can help to relieve the symptoms.
Did you know?
Aspirin can induce bleeding following an extraction, so it’s important to not take it for pain management. Paracetamol or ibuprofen (if you are able to take it) is a great alternative.
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What should I do after an extraction?
Avoid hot food or drinks until the anaesthetic wears off. This is important as your ability to feel pain may be impaired, which can result in you burning or scalding your mouth. You should also take care not to chew your cheek. For the rest of the day, you should rest. Try to keep your head higher for the first night using an extra pillow if possible. It is also a good idea to use an old pillowcase, or put a towel on the pillow, in case you bleed a little.

- It is recommended that you firmly bite on a gauze pad for 20 – 30 minutes following the procedure. If your socket starts bleeding then bite down hard on the extra gauze that you will have been given for 10-15 minutes to form a new clot. After the blood clot forms, it is important not to disturb or dislodge the clot, especially for the first 24 hours. Some post-op bleeding is perfectly normal so you could try to keep your head higher for the first night using an extra pillow if possible. It is also a good idea to use an old pillowcase, or put a towel on the pillow, in case you bleed a little.
- We recommend to not eat or drink for two hours after the procedure. Also, try to avoid hot drinks or foods for the rest of the day. Luke warm drinks will be alright after 2 hours. A soft diet is advisable for the first 24 – 48 hours.
- Some post – op pain and discomfort are expected. Taking whichever painkillers, you normally use is advised, or whatever is prescribed by the dentist.
- If antibiotics have been prescribed, you must take them as directed and not cut the course short.
- We advise to reduce exercise for the first 24 hours. This will keep blood pressure lower, which will reduce the risk of bleeding.
- You can and should brush your teeth after an extraction, however, try not to brush too close to the extraction site for the first 24 hours. This is to not disturb the blood clot and cause additional trauma to the wound.
- Vigorous mouth rinsing or touching the affected area following surgery should be avoided. This may initiate bleeding caused by dislodging the blood clot that has formed. Do not rinse your mouth for the first post-operative day or while there is bleeding, however, gentle salt water rinsing the following day is advised.
- If swelling should occur, an ice bag or chopped ice wrapped in a towel can be applied on the affected area of the face for 30 minutes on/ 30 minutes off for 1-2 hours.
- Smoking, alcoholic or carbonated beverages should be avoided for 24 hours after extraction.
- Look out for symptoms of dry socket which is an infection of the extraction site. These can include a dull aching pain which appears 3 – 4 days post – operatively, tenderness of the gums around the socket, shooting pain in the jaw. Do not hesitate to contact the practice if this occurs, so the dental team can help to relieve the symptoms.
Did you know?
Aspirin can induce bleeding following an extraction, so it’s important to not take it for pain management. Paracetamol or ibuprofen (if you are able to take it) is a great alternative.