Extraction POI

Question 1

What are the POI following an extraction?

Answer 1

• restful day- no strenous exercise
• Soft diet; introduction of semi-solid foods up to patients discretion
• no smoking or alcohol for 24-48 hours
• Numbness may last up to 3-4 hours; be wary of trauma to soft tissues
• Warn patient of swelling; swelling may resolve after 7-10 days
• If patient has received stitches/sutures; these may dissolve after 7-10 days
• do not rinse on the first day; from the next day patient should make use of salt water rinses, at minimum following meals
• for continued bleeding; use a damp bite pack/tissue and apply pressure to the area for 20-30 minutes; if unresolved call dentist/111
• sudden increase in pain may be indicative of infection; seek advise from dentist or emergency services/hospital
• advise patient to make use of painkillers that are safe for them; “take whatever you would use for a headache”