After a tooth extraction, following your dentist's aftercare instructions at home is essential to ensure proper healing and avoid complications like dry socket or infection. The first few days are critical; adhering to restrictions on activity, diet, and oral hygiene will help you recover quickly.
Immediately after extraction, a blood clot forms to stop bleeding. Your dentist will ask you to bite on gauze for 30–60 seconds. If bleeding persists, replace the gauze and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. Avoid disturbing the clot—do not rinse vigorously, suck through a straw, smoke, or spit forcefully for at least 24 hours, as these actions can dislodge the clot and prolong bleeding.
Swelling and discomfort are normal after extractions. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to the cheek over the extraction site for 10–15 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours. Take prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter ibuprofen as directed. If swelling or pain worsens after 48 hours, contact your dentist.
Stick to soft, cool foods on the day of extraction: items like yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and broths. Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or chewy foods that can irritate the socket. Sip clear liquids but avoid using straws for at least 48 hours to protect the clot. Gradually reintroduce solid foods as comfort allows.
Do not brush or floss near the extraction site for the first 48–72 hours. After that period, gently resume brushing all other teeth, being careful to avoid the socket. Rinse your mouth gently with warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) 2–3 times daily, starting 24 hours after the extraction, to keep the area clean and promote healing.
Contact your dentist if you experience prolonged or heavy bleeding, severe pain not relieved by medication, fever, pus discharge, or a foul taste/odor in your mouth. These could signal a complication such as dry socket or infection. If any adverse reaction to prescribed antibiotics or pain medications occurs, stop the medication and call your dentist immediately.
