Caring For Your Surgical Extraction
Your tooth was removed surgically, which can mean it was sectioned, impacted, or needed a little bone adjusted to come out cleanly. You may have stitches. The first 72 hours matter the most: a blood clot must form and stay in the socket to protect the bone and heal.
The First 72 Hours
- Bite on gauze with firm pressure for 30 to 45 minutes, replacing if it soaks through.
- Oozing is normal the first day, especially with a larger site.
- Rest, head elevated. Skip exercise the first few days. Ice 20 on, 20 off the first day.
Avoiding A Dry Socket
A dry socket is when the clot is knocked loose too early, exposing bone. It is painful and preventable. For the first 72 hours:
- No straws, smoking, or spitting. The suction is the number one cause.
- Do not swish. Let liquid fall gently from your mouth.
- Keep tongue and fingers away from the socket.
Comfort & Eating
- Stay ahead of pain. Take medication on schedule before it sets in. Swelling often peaks day 2 to 3, then eases.
- Soft, cool foods the first few days. Avoid crunchy, spicy, or seeded foods that lodge in the site.
Stitches & Cleaning
- Most stitches dissolve on their own over 1 to 2 weeks. Do not tug them with your tongue.
- From day one, brush your other teeth normally, including those in front of and behind the site, then rinse gently.
- Starting day four, add warm salt water rinses and begin to very gently brush the site itself.
Call Us If
- Bleeding is heavy and will not slow after 2 hours of firm pressure.
- Pain worsens around day 3 to 5 instead of improving, which can mean a dry socket.
- Swelling comes with fever, or keeps growing after day 3.
- You have numbness that is not fading or any concern at all.
How To Heal As Fast As Possible
A surgical site rewards patience. Give it a clean, undisturbed space and your body closes it up well.
- Protect the clot for 72 hours. No straws, smoking, or spitting. This is the single biggest thing that prevents a dry socket.
- Keep it clean the right way. Brush the neighboring teeth from day one, then add gentle salt water rinses and very gentle brushing of the site from day four.
- Rest, hydrate, and eat well. Recovery is faster when your body is supported and not run down.
Take it easy the first few days and you will be back to yourself before you know it!
Questions about your extraction or your recovery? Call the office anytime. We are here for you!
