Healing & Home Care After Tooth Extraction

During our lifetime, most of us will experience one or more tooth extractions. Extractions are not always performed due to tooth decay or poor oral health. Often, dentists and oral surgeons remove one or more teeth (such as "wisdom teeth") to address crowding or to create space for the proper placement of braces. 

After an extraction, a blood clot forms at the site to protect it. Typically, it takes 3-4 weeks for your gum tissue to heal completely, while bone healing may take 3-6 months. However, any pain from the extraction should subside within 48 hours.

 

Generally, most extractions are routine, short-term dental procedures. However, proper home care is essential for optimal healing. Immediately after your procedure, the dental assistant will provide you with postoperative instructions, answer any questions, and guide you through each step. 

As dental assistants, it is our responsibility to ensure you are well-informed and comfortable before leaving our office. It’s important to follow all post-operative instructions to facilitate a quick and uneventful healing process. Following the tips below will help encourage blood clot formation, prevent it from becoming dislodged, and avoid the painful condition known as dry socket:

DO...

• Begin taking your prescribed painkillers with soft foods before the numbness wears off.  
• REST. Do not go to work, exercise, or engage in any strenuous activity for at least 12 to 24 hours.  
• Sleep with your head propped up with pillows the first night after surgery.  
• If the numbness hasn't worn off six hours after your procedure (unless otherwise indicated), contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately. If you can return to their office within 24 hours, they may administer steroids into the nerve area to reduce swelling and expedite your recovery.  
• To prevent swelling and pain, apply ice packs to your face for the first two days.  
• On the third day, to reduce pain and swelling, use heat (such as a warm cloth).  
• Control bleeding by biting down on dry gauze pads and changing them frequently (every hour to half an hour as needed).  
• Eat soft foods (e.g., soups, pudding, mashed potatoes, ice cream, applesauce, and scrambled eggs) for the first 48 hours. Avoid spicy foods and soda.  
• Drink plenty of fluids (preferably water).  
• Gently brush your teeth, but avoid the extraction or surgical site for at least three days.  

DO NOT...

• NEVER operate any motor vehicle or hazardous equipment while under the influence of medication.
• DO NOT SMOKE immediately after an extraction. 
• Smoking can cause swelling and pain. It is best to refrain from smoking for as long as possible following the extraction, as it can delay the healing process, and the sucking motion may dislodge the blood clot. Overall, it’s not advisable.
• Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. 
• After this time period, you may gently rinse with warm water and salt, or with a prescribed chlorhexidine mouthwash (e.g., Peridex).
• Avoid forcibly spitting out mouth rinse, drinking through straws, or blowing your nose if possible, as these actions could dislodge the blood clot.
• Do not eat or drink hot foods and beverages until the numbness has worn off. Otherwise, you risk burning yourself without realizing it.
• Avoid consuming alcohol for 24 hours, as it may delay the healing process.
• Do not touch or poke the extraction site. Keep your fingers and tongue away from the socket.