Tooth Extraction Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for tooth extraction: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Dry Socket Prevention
- •The blood clot in the socket is critical for healing
- •No straws, smoking, or forceful spitting for 5 days
- •A dry socket causes severe throbbing pain radiating to the ear
Tooth Extraction recovery, day by day
Bleeding Control
- Bite firmly on gauze for 30-45 minutes after extraction
- Replace gauze every 30 minutes until bleeding slows to oozing
- Some pink-tinged saliva is normal for 24 hours
Blood Clot Protection
- Do NOT spit, rinse, or use straws for 24 hours
- Avoid touching the extraction site with your tongue or fingers
- No smoking or tobacco for at least 72 hours
Pain & Swelling
- Take pain medication before numbness wears off
- Apply ice pack: 20 min on, 20 min off for swelling
- Keep head elevated, even when sleeping
Diet
- Cold liquids only for the first 2-3 hours
- Soft foods: yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes
- Avoid hot foods, crunchy foods, and alcohol
Oral Care
- Begin gentle warm salt water rinses, 1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz water
- Rinse 4-5 times daily, especially after eating
- Do NOT brush directly at the extraction site
Diet
- Continue soft foods: scrambled eggs, soup, warm, not hot, smoothies
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth
- Stay well hydrated with water
Healing Check
- Swelling should peak around day 2-3 then start decreasing
- Pain should be manageable with over-the-counter medication
- If pain INCREASES after day 3, contact your dentist, possible dry socket
Activity
- Gradually return to normal activities
- Continue avoiding straws and forceful spitting
- Resume gentle brushing near the site
Final Healing
- The socket will continue filling in with soft tissue over 1-2 weeks
- Resume normal oral hygiene
- Attend follow-up appointment if scheduled
When to call your provider or 911
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Fever above 101°F that doesn't respond to medication
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Uncontrolled bleeding lasting more than 4 hours despite gauze pressure
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication
- •Call 911 now if you notice: Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Numbness that persists beyond 24 hours
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Foul taste/odor indicating possible infection
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Pus or discharge from the surgical site
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 0
Bleeding Stops
Light oozing should stop within a few hours. Rest with your head elevated.
- Day 1
Begin Salt Water Rinses
Start gentle warm salt water rinses to keep the area clean.
- Day 3
Swelling Peaks Then Improves
Swelling is worst around day 2-3, then starts going down.
- Day 7
Ongoing Recovery Review
Review any remaining symptoms or restrictions with the care team before changing your routine.
For clinics
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