You can gently brush around the extraction site 2 days after the procedure.
After brushing, avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting. Allow excess toothpaste and saliva to gently flow out of your mouth, then clean around your lips as needed.
You can return to normal brushing after 2 days.
Yes. Before the local anaesthetic has completely worn off, numbness of the lips and cheeks may persist and cause leakage of saliva. A small amount of bleeding from the extraction site can also occur.
As long as there is no significant or persistent bleeding, there is usually no cause for concern.
Yes. During healing, new tissue forms over the extraction site and may appear white or yellow. This is a normal part of the healing process.
Unless you develop severe pain, significant swelling, or pus/discharge, there is usually no cause for concern.
Yes. The stitches used are dissolvable sutures. They may become loose or fall out during the healing period.
This is generally normal and does not require concern.
Yes. An extraction socket usually takes several weeks to fully close and heal.
If food becomes trapped in the socket, you can gently flush it out with the provided syringe from 3 days after the extraction.
⚠️ Do not use a water flosser (e.g. Waterpik), as the high-pressure water jet may damage the healing tissue or blood clot.
⚠️ Avoid forceful rinsing during the first 3 days after extraction, as this may dislodge or damage the blood clot.
Bite firmly on the provided gauze for 10 minutes, then gently remove it. During this time, avoid rinsing, gargling, forceful spitting, and strenuous exercise, as these may interfere with blood clot formation.
A small amount of blood or oozing from the extraction site is normal and usually not a cause for concern. Healthy saliva also has a natural haemostatic and antibacterial effect.
Generally, bleeding from an extraction site should not cause significant amount of blood loss of our body. Therefore in an event of persistent bleeding, there is no need to be significantly anxious. Contact the clinic during working hours or visit a local pharmacy/hospital during after hours in an event of persistent bleeding.
It is recommended to rest for the first 2 days after the extraction and avoid strenuous exercise.
You can gradually return to exercise after 2 days, and generally return to your normal exercise routine after 7 days.
Please contact your dentist if you experience any of the following:
-Severe, persistent, or worsening pain from around 2 days after the extraction, particularly if the pain radiates to the jaw or ear. This may indicate dry socket and may require the extraction site to be cleaned and treated by your dentist. (This is relatively common, occurring in approximately 1 in 20 extractions.)
-Severe swelling, high fever, difficulty breathing, or significant difficulty opening your mouth.
-Pus or discharge from the extraction site.
-Signs of a significant allergic reaction to medication, such as widespread hives or severe swelling.
-Persistent bleeding that does not stop.
No. Smoking after an extraction increases the risk of infection and dry socket.