After a tooth extraction, a blood clot will form in the socket where the tooth was removed. It is crucial not to disturb this clot by vigorous rinsing or by poking the area with your tongue or finger, as it plays a vital role in the healing process.
If you experience bleeding after leaving the dental practice, place a clean tissue or handkerchief over the extraction site and apply pressure by gently biting down. This should help the bleeding to stop within a few minutes. Again, do not disturb the blood clot during this time.
Should the bleeding persist, please contact your dentist for further advice.
After the local anaesthetic, your mouth may remain numb for an hour or so. During this time, be careful not to bite your cheek or tongue and avoid consuming hot liquids to prevent burns.
Refrain from smoking and consuming alcohol for 24 hours, as these can adversely affect the healing process.
You may feel some discomfort once the anaesthetic wears off. Taking a regular household painkiller, following the manufacturer’s instructions, can help alleviate this. However, avoid taking aspirin, as it may increase the risk of bleeding from the socket.