There is general anxiety amongst population when it comes to teeth extraction. This article will answer few questions that might arise when  comes to post operative care or healing of the wound after extraction.

        Although permanent teeth are supposed to last lifetime, there are multiple reasons why a tooth needs extraction; the most common being a badly damaged tooth due to cavities. Other common reasons include orthodontic treatment, supernumerary teeth, over-retained deciduous teeth,etc.

        Once the tooth is pulled out the socket fills up with a blood clot, the wound might bleed for a day or two. It is important the blood clot stays in the socket so that the wound heals properly, if by any chance the patient does not follow post operative instructions and the clot is dislodged the patient will experience immense pain and healing of the wound does not occur.


       Few of the instructions that are supposed to be followed after extraction are as follows:

• Do not remove cotton or gauze from the site for next 30 to 45 min.

• Do not spit outside for next 24 hours. Swallow all the saliva and the blood.

• Do not touch the wound with fingers.

• Do not feel the site with your tongue.

• Do not consume hard, hot spicy food for next 24 hrs.

• Keep ice-pack externally for 3 min every 10 min. for next 1-2 hour.

• Take plenty of cold fluids but without using straw.

• Eat soft and cold food for first 24 hours following surgery.

• Do warm saline gargles after 24 hours & keep area clean.

• Do not use brush at treated area for 1-2 days.

• Do not smoke for next 48 hours.

• Take medication exactly as prescribed by doctor.

• Contact doctor if any problem arises