These instructions are for people who have had teeth removed or had minor oral surgery.
Please follow these instructions to help the healing and reduce bleeding.
When you leave the surgery, you will still feel numb from the anaesthetic. Be careful not to bite your lips, tongue or cheeks.
On the day of the surgery
- Do not rinse your mouth on the same day as your tooth removal or surgery. Rinsing may cause bleeding.
- Do not smoke, vape or drink any alcohol for at least 24 hours after the tooth removal or surgery. Smoking, vaping and drinking alcohol will delay healing and will increase the risk of infection.
- Avoid hot food and drinks when the anaesthetic has worn off. You can still have warm or cold food and drinks.
- Avoid exercise, and if possible try to rest.
- Clean your teeth as you would normally.
In the days after the surgery
- Try to keep your mouth as clean as possible.
- Do not smoke or vape.
- Rinse your mouth with a hot saltwater mouthwash, especially after eating. Do this for 3 to 4 days after your tooth removal or surgery.
- Saltwater mouthwash recipe: Dissolve 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) into a cup of hot water.
Post-operative complications
If you have complications within 48 hours of your tooth removal or surgery – call 0300 555 6667 (option 1, then option 1).
If you have complications more than 48 hours after your tooth removal or surgery:
- You are registered with a dentist – contact your dentist for further care
- You are not registered with a dentist – contact your local Dental Access Centre. You will have to pay the NHS charge for using this service.
Pain relief
It’s normal to feel discomfort and swelling around where the tooth was removed.
- Use painkillers that you would usually take for pain relief.
- Take the first dose of painkillers before the anaesthetic wears off. This is usually within 2 to 3 hours after the tooth removal or surgery.
- Continue taking pain relief at 4 to 6 hour intervals for 24 to 48 hours.
- Do not take more than the recommended dose.
Bleeding
If you are experiencing further bleeding you will need to apply pressure to where your tooth used to be. Roll up one of the swabs provided and bite down on it for at least 20 minutes.
If you are bleeding for a long time on the day of treatment or if you start to bleed more, call 0300 555 6667 (option 1, then option 1)
Out of hours service
Please call 0300 555 6667 (option 1, then option 1) Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm for advice.
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