Last Updated: August 7, 2025
A tooth extraction is sometimes necessary if severe damage or decay is a concern. At Bell Hill Dental, our team, including Dr. Neill, provides gentle and professional oral surgery and tooth extractions in Dunedin. Dr. Neill has been a pillar of the community since purchasing Bell Hill Dental in 1995, providing decades of dedicated care. Before your dental procedure, your dentist will provide detailed, evidence-based instructions regarding your aftercare and recovery to maximise healing.
Need an Extraction? Book a Consult with Bell Hill Dental
If you're experiencing severe tooth pain or believe you may need a tooth extraction, your first step is a consultation with our experienced team. During this initial assessment, we'll use X-rays to accurately diagnose the problem, discuss your treatment options, and create a personalised plan to restore your oral health.
Call us on 03-477 8387 to book an exam with Dr. Neill or one of our other experienced, friendly, gentle dentists.
What to Expect Before and During Your Procedure
At Bell Hill Dental, we prioritise your comfort and well-being. We’ll walk you through the entire dental procedure, ensuring you understand each step. We use modern techniques and local anaesthesia to provide a gentle and painless experience. Our goal is to make your tooth extraction as stress-free as possible, from your first call to your final check-up.
Essential Tips for Tooth Extraction Aftercare and Recovery
Following proper aftercare is crucial for a fast and successful recovery. Your Dunedin dentist will provide detailed instructions to maximise healing and minimise discomfort.
1. What You Can and Cannot Eat
After a tooth extraction, we recommend adhering to a soft food or liquid diet for the first few days. Items like yogurt, ice cream, pudding, mashed bananas, and lukewarm blended soups are all good options. Avoid carbonated, alcoholic, and hot beverages, as they can irritate the extraction site.
2. Avoid Using a Straw, Spitting or Gurgling
Many patients ask, 'Can I use a straw after a tooth extraction?' The answer is no. The negative intraoral pressure created by sucking or forceful spitting can easily dislodge the blood clot necessary for healing, which may lead to a painful condition called a dry socket.
3. How to Minimise Bleeding and Swelling
Mild, temporary bleeding and swelling are expected. To manage this, place a clean piece of gauze over the area and bite down firmly for about 30 minutes. If bleeding persists, call Bell Hill Dental at 03-477 8387 immediately, and we will see you to reassess the situation.
You can also reduce bleeding and swelling by:
- Elevating your head with a pillow or cushion
- Limiting physical exercise for the first 24 hours
- Applying an ice pack or cold compress to your cheek during the first 24 hours
- Applying a warm compress to your cheek around day two or three of recovery
4. Be Aware of Signs of Infection
An infection after a tooth extraction is rare but can happen. Common signs include persistent swelling, pus, a fever, or a bitter or acrid taste in the mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, please call our office right away.
5. Managing Pain and Discomfort
Your Dunedin dentist may prescribe pain medication, but many people find that over-the-counter pain relievers effectively manage discomfort. Gently rinsing your mouth with a warm salt water solution several times a day may also soothe the area and aid in healing.
6. How to Prevent a Dry Socket
A dry socket, or alveolar osteitis, is a painful condition that occurs when the protective blood clot is dislodged or fails to form correctly. You can prevent this by:
- Don’t smoke for at least 72 hours after the extraction.
- Avoiding touching the wound with your fingers or tongue.
- Sticking to soft foods for the first few days.
- Notifying your dentist of any current medications you are taking.
Key Aftercare Summary
- Dry Socket: A painful condition where the blood clot is dislodged from the extraction site.
- Pain Management: Use prescribed medication or over-the-counter pain relievers as directed.
- Diet: Stick to soft foods for the first 24–48 hours.
- Aftercare Timeline: Most healing occurs within a few days, but full recovery can take 1–2 weeks.
Do You Need a Tooth Extraction in Dunedin?
The team at Bell Hill Dental is dedicated to providing gentle and compassionate care. We are always here to help you with any questions about tooth extractions, from your initial consultation to your aftercare and recovery.
We invite you to book an exam online. We look forward to helping you achieve and maintain excellent oral health.
