Use of Irrigation Syringes
Patient Information
Food-trapping after tooth removal
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Following tooth removal, it will usually take 4-6 weeks for the gum to heal completely. Until then, food-trapping in the open tooth socket(s) is common.
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The sockets of lower molar teeth, including those of lower wisdom teeth, are most commonly affected.
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The trapping of food may delay healing and cause bad breath and a bad taste to develop.
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Despite this, it is rarely a serious problem, but may be associated with pain and/or swelling.
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You can reduce the chance of food collecting in the socket(s) by pureeing your food for the first 1-2 weeks and if appropriate, by favouring the other side of your mouth whilst eating.
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If food-trapping is a problem, your Surgeon may recommend the use of an irrigation syringe.
Irrigating the extraction socket(s)
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Add half a teaspoon of table salt or a capful of the mouthwash prescribed, to a glass of warm water and draw this up into the syringe.
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While looking in the mirror, place the tip of the syringe over the socket and irrigate. Any food trapped in the socket should be flushed out.
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Repeat as required.
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Usually you will only need to do this for the first 1-2 weeks while the socket is open.
Please contact us if you have any questions or are unsure about any of the information provided.