We want your tooth extraction to be as smooth and comfortable as possible. Please read the following guidance carefully to help you prepare and recover safely.

Before Your Extraction

• Inform your dentist of all medications, tablets, or supplements you take. Continue taking them as normal unless advised otherwise by your doctor or dentist.

• Eat Before Your Appointment. You’ll be having your extraction under local anaesthetic, not general. It’s important to eat beforehand you won’t be able to eat for some time afterwards, and we don’t want you feeling faint during the procedure.

• If you’re anxious, let your dentist know. You’re welcome to bring someone with you (aged 18 or over) to support you and help you home afterwards.

• Plan a Quiet Day. Avoid booking your extraction on a busy day. You’ll need to rest afterwards, and some bleeding is normal. You’ll be given full written aftercare instructions at your appointment.
  
  

After Your Extraction

For the rest of the day, follow these 5 golden rules:

1. Do not rinse your mouth not even with water. Rinsing can dislodge the blood clot and cause bleeding.

2. Avoid smoking it delays healing. Ideally, avoid smoking for several days.

3. Dont drink alcohol it can increase bleeding.

4. Avoid strenuous activity exercise raises blood pressure and may trigger bleeding.

5. No hot food or drinks stick to soft, cooled foods. Let hot drinks cool fully before drinking. Avoid heat pads near the area.

Healing & Hygiene

The goal is to allow the blood clot to form and stay in place. If disturbed, healing may be delayed and infection may occur.

From the day after your extraction, rinse gently with warm salt water after eating (1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water).
 

If bleeding continues, delay rinsing for another day. Be gentle the clot is fragile for the first few days.

Continue brushing your teeth, but take care near the extraction site. Cleanliness is key to good healing.

If you experience severe pain 48 hours after extraction, contact us.

It’s normal for the socket edges to feel sharp or for small bone fragments to work loose initially  this will settle over time.

When to eat on the extraction side is up to you. Some patients feel ready after a few weeks, others take longer.

Managing Bleeding

If bleeding starts:

1. Spit out any blood.

2. Roll a cotton pad or gauze into a sausage shape and place it directly over the socket.

3. Bite down firmly and sit upright.

4. Time yourself for 10–15 minutes do not keep checking the pad, as this will restart bleeding.

If bleeding continues, repeat the process. 

If it still doesn’t stop:

Call the practice during working hours: 01788 542663
Outside hours, contact NHS 111 for advice.

Most bleeding happens because patients rinse too soon, please follow the advice carefully.

If you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the practice. We’re here to help.