Best Aftercare Tips Following a Tooth Extraction
Extracting a tooth is a standard dental procedure, whether due to decay, infection, crowding, or injury. While tooth extractions are typically quick and routine, proper aftercare is essential to ensure smooth healing, avoid complications, and return to feeling like yourself as soon as possible. Here’s a guide to the best practices for post-tooth extraction care.
Control Bleeding with Gauze
Immediately after your extraction, we will place gauze over the site to help stop the bleeding and aid in clot formation.
- Bite gently but firmly on the gauze for 30–45 minutes.
- If bleeding continues, replace with a fresh piece and apply gentle pressure.
- Avoid spitting, as it may dislodge the clot and cause more bleeding.
Protect the Blood Clot
A crucial part of healing is the formation of a blood clot at the extraction site. This clot protects the underlying bone and nerve endings. If it becomes dislodged, it can lead to a dry socket, a painful complication that delays healing. To protect the clot:
- Avoid drinking through straws for at least 48 hours.
- Don’t smoke or use tobacco products.
- Skip vigorous rinsing or spitting for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid carbonated or hot drinks, as they can interfere with clotting.
Manage Pain and Swelling
Mild to moderate discomfort is normal after an extraction. Follow your dentist’s instructions for pain relief:
- Use prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as directed.
- Apply an ice pack on the outside of your cheek in 15-minute intervals to reduce swelling during the first 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, switch to warm compresses if needed for comfort.
Stick to Soft Foods
Your mouth will be sensitive for a few days, so stick to a soft food diet:
- Start with options like applesauce, yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and broth.
- Avoid crunchy, spicy, acidic, or hard foods that could irritate the area or get lodged in the socket.
- Gradually return to your regular diet as healing progresses.
Practice Gentle Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean helps prevent infection, but you’ll need to be gentle:
- Avoid brushing directly over the extraction site for the first couple of days.
- Starting 24 hours after the procedure, gently rinse with warm salt water (1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz). Do this a few times a day, especially after meals.
- Continue brushing and flossing your other teeth carefully.
Know When to Call Us
Healing typically takes about 7–10 days. If you notice any of the following, contact your dentist right away:
- Persistent or severe pain.
- Excessive bleeding.
- Signs of infection (swelling, pus, fever).
- Bad breath or foul taste in your mouth.
- No improvement after a few days.
Tooth extractions are a step toward better oral health, but recovery depends on how well you care for the area afterward. Following these tips and staying in touch with your dentist will help ensure a comfortable, speedy healing process. If you need additional help caring for your tooth extraction site, please let us know!
