Thank you for trusting us with your dental care. Following a tooth extraction, proper care is important to promote healing, minimize discomfort, and avoid complications such as dry socket. Please read and follow these instructions carefully.
When to call us
It’s completely normal to experience some discomfort, bleeding, and swelling for a few days after an extraction. Please keep in mind that blood mixes with saliva in the mouth, which can make it look like you’re bleeding more than you actually are – this is often not a cause for concern.
However, we do want you to contact us right away if you experience any of the following:
- Heavy or persistent bleeding that doesn’t slow down with pressure/biting on damp gauze.
- Pain or swelling that increases or lasts longer than 2–3 days.
- A bad taste or odor in your mouth (this could indicate infection or dry socket).
- Any allergic reaction (such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing) to medication.
First 24 Hours After Extraction
It’s crucial that a blood clot forms in the socket to stop bleeding, protect the site, and promote healing. Follow these steps to protect the clot and avoid complications such as dry socket:
✅ Do:
- Bite firmly on a damp gauze pad for 30–60 minutes after your extraction. If bleeding continues, replace with a fresh, damp gauze pad and bite down for another 30 minutes.
- Expect some oozing – this is normal and can last up to 24 hours.
- Know that blood mixed with saliva may appear like more bleeding than it actually is.
- Limit physical activity. Rest and keep your head elevated with pillows when lying down to reduce bleeding.
- Use an ice pack on the outside of your face (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to help minimize swelling.
- When the numbness wears off, drink plenty of fluids and eat soft, nutritious foods, chewing on the opposite side of your mouth.
❌ Avoid:
- Do not spit, rinse, or use a straw (the suction can dislodge the clot).
- Do not smoke or use tobacco for at least 72 hours. Smoking slows healing and greatly increases the risk of dry socket.
- Do not brush or floss near the extraction site, and do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours.
- Avoid hot, carbonated, or alcoholic beverages, and skip spicy or hard foods.
- Avoid sneezing or coughing – have sinus or allergy medication on hand if you are prone to these issues.
After 24 Hours
Once the initial healing has begun, you can gradually return to normal routines:
- Begin eating normally as soon as it’s comfortable.
- Resume brushing and flossing, but gently clean around the extraction site for at least one week.
- Warm saltwater rinses can begin after the first 24 hours and continue for up to 7 days: Rinse gently with warm salt water (1tsp salt in 8 oz water) up to 3 times a day to soothe discomfort and promote healing.
Pain, Swelling, and Medications
- Take pain medication before the anesthetic wears off or as recommended by your provider.
- If no prescription was given, we recommend:
- 2 tablets of Ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin 200mg) + 2 tablets of Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol 500mg) together (unless advised otherwise by your physician).
- Use ice during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling.
- Switch to moist heat (e.g., warm compress) after 48 hours to relieve soreness and help swelling resolve.
- Continue any prescribed antibiotics for the full course, even if symptoms improve before finishing the medication.
Healing Progress
- Mild discomfort and swelling are normal for the first few days.
- Swelling typically peaks around 48 hours and then begins to improve.
- You should see noticeable healing and reduced symptoms within 3–5 days.
Questions or Concerns?
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our office at 513-245-2200. We’re here to support your healing and continued dental health.
