Extraction

Post-Operative Instructions After Tooth Removal

The first 24 to 48 hours after an extraction are the most important for healing. A blood clot needs to form and stay in place at the extraction site, so the steps below are designed to protect that clot and help your mouth recover comfortably.

Controlling the Bleeding

Keep firm pressure on the gauze we placed for about 45 minutes after your appointment. If bleeding or oozing continues, fold a fresh piece of gauze (or a cool, damp green tea bag) and bite down firmly for another 30 minutes. You may need to repeat this a few times before things fully settle.

How to Tell Bleeding Has Stopped

If the gauze comes out mostly pink or white rather than soaked through with red, the bleeding has stopped. A little pink tinge in your saliva for a day or two afterward is completely normal and does not call for more gauze.

A Word of Caution on Gauze

Avoid biting on gauze longer than needed or pressing down too hard. Excess pressure over time can actually damage the surrounding gum tissue.

The First 24 Hours

For the first full day after your extraction, please do not swish, spit forcefully, smoke, suck on anything, use a straw, or drink alcohol or carbonated beverages. Each of these can dislodge the clot forming in the socket and slow your healing.

What to Eat

Stick with soft foods for the first 24 hours. Think yogurt, smoothies (eaten with a spoon), mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and soups that have cooled down. Skip anything hot or spicy for the next 4 to 5 days, since heat and spice can irritate the extraction site.

Hands and Tongue Off

Try not to touch or poke at the socket with your fingers or tongue, even if it feels strange. Letting the area rest is the fastest way for it to heal.

Managing Swelling

For the first 48 hours, apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek over the extraction area. Use a cycle of 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off to keep swelling down.

Pain Relief

If you were given a prescription for pain medication, take it as directed when discomfort is significant. For milder soreness, over-the-counter options like ibuprofen can be helpful too.

Brushing and Rinsing

Brush gently and avoid the extraction site for the next 2 weeks. Don't spit forcefully. Instead, let water fall out of your mouth passively over the sink.

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and other fluids, but skip the straw. The suction from drinking through a straw can pull the clot right out of the socket and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.

No Smoking

Hold off on smoking for at least 5 days after your extraction. Smoking slows healing significantly and greatly raises your risk of infection and dry socket.

Take It Easy

Skip the gym, heavy lifting, and any strenuous activity for at least a week. Your body needs that energy for healing.

If Your Jaw Feels Stiff

It is common for the jaw muscles to feel tight after an extraction, especially with back teeth. Holding a warm, moist compress against the stiff areas on the outside of your face can help loosen them up.

Salt Water Rinses

Starting the day after your extraction, gently soak the area twice a day for about a minute using either the prescription rinse we provided or warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt stirred into a glass of warm water).

Antibiotics

If we sent you home with antibiotics, finish the entire course exactly as prescribed, even if you feel better before the bottle is empty. Stopping early can let an infection come back stronger.

Other Prescriptions

Use any prescribed pain medication or mouth rinse exactly as directed on the label.

Watch for Dry Socket

If sharp, throbbing pain suddenly shows up around day 3 after your extraction, give us a call right away. This can be a sign of dry socket, which happens when the blood clot is lost too early. It is treatable, but it needs to be looked at promptly.