Dentistry — Discharge Advice after a Tooth Extraction
A dentist writes a discharge advice letter to a 32-year-old man following a simple mandibular molar extraction. This is a beginner case: a common procedure, a short set of aftercare instructions, and clear warning signs. Ideal for first attempts at a dentistry patient advice letter.
Letter type
Discharge
Write to
Patient
Target length
170–190 words
The case notes
Patient: Mr Brendan Walsh, 32 years old; no systemic conditions; not on anticoagulants
Procedure: Simple extraction of lower right first molar (46) under inferior alveolar nerve block; socket clear; no sutures required
Immediate aftercare (first 24 hours): Bite on gauze pad for 20–30 minutes; do not rinse, spit, or use a straw for 24 hours (dislodges clot); soft diet; no smoking or alcohol for 48 hours
Pain management: Paracetamol 1 g every 4–6 hours (max 4 g per day); ibuprofen 400 mg every 6 hours with food if tolerated and more pain relief needed; mild throbbing is normal for the first 2–3 days
Swelling: Ice pack to cheek (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) for first 6 hours; some swelling and bruising is normal, peaks at 48–72 hours
Oral hygiene after 24 hours: Gentle warm salt water rinses three times daily starting tomorrow; brush teeth normally avoiding the socket
Warning signs — contact the clinic: Heavy bleeding not settling after 20 minutes of firm pressure; severe increasing pain after day 3 (dry socket); pus, fever, or significant swelling after 48 hours
Task: Write a discharge advice letter to Mr Walsh explaining how to care for the extraction site and what warning signs to watch for.
Writing task
Write a discharge advice letter to Mr Walsh explaining how to care for the extraction site and what warning signs to watch for.
What to include, what to cut
The hardest mark to win is selection. The same case notes contain decision-relevant facts and distractors. Here is what an examiner expects to see in a Grade B letter for this scenario, and what should be left out.
Include
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No rinsing, spitting, or straws for 24 hours and why (clot protection)
Blood clot loss leading to dry socket is the most common and preventable complication. Explaining the reason makes the patient more likely to follow the instruction.
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Pain management: paracetamol dose, with ibuprofen as an addition if needed
The patient will manage pain at home. The correct analgesic and dose prevents underdosing or overdosing. Stating 'take paracetamol' without a dose and frequency is insufficient.
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The three warning signs requiring contact: heavy bleeding, severe pain after day 3, pus or fever
Heavy bleeding and dry socket are the two most common complications requiring re-treatment. Fever/pus signals infection. The patient must know exactly when normal discomfort becomes something to act on.
Leave out
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The anaesthetic technique and extraction mechanics
The patient does not need clinical procedure detail post-operatively. They care about what happens now they are home, not what was done in the chair.
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Long-term tooth replacement options
A consultation-specific decision belonging in a follow-up appointment. One sentence — 'we can discuss tooth replacement options at your follow-up' — is enough.
Criterion in focus · Genre & Style
A post-extraction patient advice letter uses a reassuring but informative tone. The patient is typically anxious after a procedure; the letter should acknowledge that some discomfort is normal before describing the precautions. Listing prohibitions without any normalising context creates alarm. Balanced professional communication — normal first, precautions second, red flags last — is the Genre & Style standard.
Now write the letter — and find out what is blocking your Grade B
Write a 170–190 words discharge letter from these notes, paste it into the free checker for an instant read, then submit it for a human grade against all six criteria. Dr Mariam's team returns line-by-line feedback, from $12.