Tooth Extraction Aftercare: What to Expect and How to Heal

Tooth extractions are performed only when other ways to save a tooth have been exhausted, and with local anesthesia the procedure itself shouldn’t be painful. What happens in the days afterward matters just as much: the site typically heals in about 7 to 10 days, and following these aftercare steps helps a healthy clot form and prevents complications like dry socket or infection.

What’s Normal After an Extraction

• Some bleeding for the first few hours, controlled with gauze
• Swelling and bruising that usually peak within the first 48 hours
• Soreness that eases over a few days

If you had a surgical extraction, for a tooth trapped below the gumline, you may also have stitches, and recovery may take a little longer.

The Do’s

Bite on the Gauze

Keep firm pressure on the gauze for about 30 minutes after your procedure to help a clot form. Replace it every 30 minutes until the bleeding slows. For heavier bleeding, a moistened tea bag works well. Once the clot forms, leave the site alone so you don’t dislodge it.

Rest and Keep Your Head Elevated

Take it easy for at least 24 hours, and up to 48 hours after a surgical extraction. Avoid exercise and heavy lifting, which raise blood pressure in your head and can restart bleeding. Prop your head up while resting.

Use Ice for Swelling

For the first 48 hours, apply a cold pack to your cheek in 15–20 minute intervals. Don’t leave it on continuously, which can damage the skin. Avoid touching or massaging the area.

Manage Pain as Directed

Take any prescribed pain reliever or antibiotic exactly as directed, and finish the full course of antibiotics. If you use an over-the-counter pain reliever, ibuprofen or acetaminophen are common choices. Avoid aspirin, which can increase bleeding. Pain that persists beyond about three days or gets worse is a reason to call us.

Eat Soft, Lukewarm Foods

Wait until the numbness wears off so you don’t bite your cheek or tongue. Then stick with soft foods such as soup and broth, yogurt, pudding, smoothies, oatmeal, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and soft fish. Avoid hard, crunchy, chewy and spicy foods, and anything that lodges between teeth, like nuts and popcorn. Return to your normal diet gradually as you feel comfortable.

Keep Your Mouth Clean, Gently

Keep brushing and flossing your other teeth, but avoid the extraction site for the first couple of days. After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water several times a day to keep the area clean.

The Don’ts

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco for at least 48 hours. It slows clotting and healing.
• Don’t use a straw, spit or rinse hard for 24 hours. Suction can pull the clot loose.
• Don’t drink alcohol, which slows healing.
• Avoid hot drinks at first. They can increase swelling.

A dislodged clot can cause dry socket, a painful complication that exposes the bone and slows healing. These steps are the best way to prevent it. For more, read How to Stop Bleeding After a Tooth Extraction Without Causing a Dry Socket.

When to Call Your Dentist

• Severe pain that isn’t improving after a few days
• Heavy bleeding that won’t stop with pressure
• Significant or increasing swelling
• Fever or chills

Keep any follow-up appointments we schedule, too.

We’re Here to Help

Wondering why a tooth needed to come out in the first place? See Why a Tooth Extraction May Be Needed. Questions during your recovery? Call your daily DENTAL & bracesbar office in Dublin, Grove City or Gahanna. Learn more about our tooth extractions.