What to do after an extraction

Having a tooth extraction can be an uncomfortable experience, but at Seymour Dental we pride ourselves on our gentle touch dentistry and our excellent after care. Here are a few tips on how to care for your dental hygiene after a tooth extraction.

Our top ten tips for after-extraction dental care

1. Keep biting on the gauze pad for at least 20 minutes.
2. If bleeding persists, take a fresh gauze pad and bite firmly for another 15 minutes.
3. If your lips are numb, be careful not to bite them!
4. After approximately 4 hours gently rinse with salt water (1/2 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Don’t rinse before this time. Repeat the rinse every four hours.
5. Avoiding eating hard foods and drinking hot liquids.
6. Don’t smoke or drink alcohol for at least 24 hours.
7. Avoid strenuous physical activity for 24 hours.
8. For the first night after your extraction, sleep on a raised pillow to keep your head slightly elevated.
9. Take an analgesic for the pain – such as paracetamol or Nurofen every four hours.
10. If you experience pain, excessive bleeding, fever or swelling, contact Seymour Dental for advice.

Oh, and, of course, don’t forget to put the extracted tooth under your pillow for the tooth fairy!