After Tooth Extractions

The First Few Hours

Immediately after your appointment, we will ask you to bite down gently on a gauze pad. This pressure helps a blood clot form in the empty tooth socket. The clot acts like a natural bandage for your body and is very important for healing. Please keep the gauze in place for 30 to 45 minutes.

You might notice some minor bleeding once you remove the pack, which is normal. If the bleeding continues, simply fold a fresh piece of gauze and place it directly over the site. Bite down gently but firmly for another 30 minutes. You may need to repeat this a few times. Resting quietly with your head elevated on pillows will also help slow any bleeding.

Protecting the Healing Site

Once the blood clot forms, your main goal is to protect it. Dislodging this clot can delay healing and cause a condition called dry socket. For the first 72 hours, we ask that you avoid actions that create suction in your mouth.

Please steer clear of:

• Drinking through a straw
• Vigorous rinsing or spitting
• Smoking or using tobacco products

It is also important to keep your tongue and fingers away from the extraction site. Disturbing the area can restart bleeding or irritate the tender gum tissue.

Managing Your Comfort

You may experience some swelling or discomfort for the first few days. This is your body’s natural reaction to the procedure. To help minimize discomfort, you can apply an ice pack to your cheek near the extraction site. We recommend using ice for 20 minutes on, and 20 minutes off while you are awake. This is most effective during the first 48 hours.

Your surgeon may recommend over-the-counter medications like Tylenol® or Ibuprofen to help you feel better. If you received a prescription, please take it exactly as directed. We want you to stay ahead of any soreness so you can rest easily.

Nutrition and Diet

Your body needs energy to heal, but it’s important to be gentle with your mouth. On the day of your extraction, it is best to stick to cool liquids and very soft foods. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated but remember not to use a straw.

For food, a few good choices include:

• Yogurt or pudding
• Cool soup or broth
• Mashed potatoes

As you feel stronger, you can slowly add solid foods back into your diet. Chewing on the side of your mouth opposite the extraction site will help keep food debris away from the wound. Avoid hot liquids, spicy foods, or anything crunchy like chips or nuts for a few days. These can irritate the area or get stuck in the socket.

Oral Hygiene

Keeping your mouth clean prevents infection and promotes faster healing. However, you need to be very gentle around the surgical site. Do not rinse your mouth at all on the day of surgery.

Starting the next day, you can begin rinsing with warm salt water. Mix a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and gently swish it around your mouth. Do this after every meal and before bed. You can brush and floss your other teeth as usual, but take your time and avoid the extraction area carefully.

Rest and Activity

Give yourself permission to rest while you are recovering. We advise limiting exercise or strenuous physical activity for at least the first 24 hours. Moving around too much can increase your blood pressure and cause the site to bleed again. Take this time to relax, read a book, or watch a movie. Listen to your body and ease back into your normal schedule only when you feel ready.