Post Operative Instructions for Dental Extraction

These general instructions support recovery after a tooth extraction. Follow the personalized instructions provided by your treating dentist, especially if you also received a bone graft or sedation. Contact our office if any instructions are unclear.

Some light oozing or blood-tinged saliva can occur after an extraction. Bite firmly on the gauze placed over the extraction site for 30 minutes, keeping steady pressure without repeatedly removing it to check.

If active bleeding continues, place fresh, slightly damp gauze over the site and apply pressure for another 30 minutes. Contact the office if bleeding continues after one hour of firm pressure, or sooner if it is heavy.

Remove gauze before eating, drinking, or sleeping. Rest and avoid strenuous activity for at least the first 24 hours, or longer if your dentist advises.

Swelling and bruising may occur, particularly after a surgical extraction. Swelling can increase during the first two to three days before it begins to improve.

A cold pack wrapped in a cloth may be held against the outside of the cheek intermittently during the first 24–48 hours. Take breaks between applications and do not place ice directly on the skin.

Contact the office if swelling worsens after the first few days, returns after improving, or occurs with fever.

Take pain medication only as directed by your dentist and the medication label. The appropriate medication depends on your health history, allergies, and other medicines you take.

Do not add ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or another pain reliever to a prescription medication without checking with your dentist or pharmacist. Some prescriptions already contain these ingredients. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Do not stop prescribed aspirin or blood-thinning medication unless your treating clinician directs you to do so. Avoid alcohol and driving while taking medication that causes drowsiness.

Contact the office if pain is severe, is not controlled by your recommended medication, or becomes worse after initially improving.

Protect the blood clot in the extraction site. For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing, forceful spitting, and touching the socket with your tongue or fingers.

After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water, especially after meals, unless your dentist gives different instructions. Avoid vigorous swishing. Brush carefully, keeping the toothbrush away from the healing socket.

Use prescribed mouth rinses only as directed. Do not use an irrigation syringe or water flosser in the socket unless your dentist instructs you to do so.

Choose soft, cool or lukewarm foods initially, and chew away from the extraction site. Avoid hot foods and drinks while your mouth is numb, and take care not to bite your lip, cheek, or tongue.

Drink water regularly. Avoid straws for the first few days because suction may disturb the clot. Avoid hard, crunchy foods near the socket, and return gradually to your usual diet as comfort allows.

Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours and while taking medication that interacts with it. Follow any additional dietary instructions provided after your procedure.

Avoid smoking and vaping during recovery. They can interfere with healing and increase the risk of complications, including dry socket.

Ask your dentist how long to avoid tobacco and nicotine products for your procedure. Do not assume that smoking is safe simply because the first few days have passed.

Seek emergency care immediately or call 911 for difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, or heavy uncontrolled bleeding.

If you cannot reach the office and symptoms need urgent attention, seek urgent dental or medical care.