Post-Operative Instructions Following Tooth Extractions
Recovering properly after a tooth extraction—especially impacted or surgical extractions—is essential for minimizing pain, swelling, and complications. The instructions below are designed to help your mouth heal safely and comfortably. Please read them carefully and follow them closely.
The First 24 Hours After Surgery
After surgery, a blood clot forms in the extraction site. This clot is critical for healing. Activities that create suction or pressure in the mouth can dislodge the clot and delay healing.
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Do not spit or use a straw
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Avoid vigorous rinsing or touching the surgical area
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Keep gauze in place for 30 minutes at a time, replacing it as needed until bleeding subsides
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Take pain medication as directed as soon as you get home—do not wait until pain begins
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Limit activity and rest for the remainder of the day
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Apply ice packs to the outside of your face (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) while awake
Pain Management
For most patients, pain is best controlled by alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen every 3–4 hours, unless otherwise directed. Take pain medications with food or a snack to reduce stomach upset.
If a narcotic pain medication was prescribed, use it only if needed. While taking narcotics:
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Do not drink alcohol
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Do not drive or operate machinery
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Expect possible side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, or constipation
If pain is not controlled with your current regimen, please contact our office.
Swelling and Healing
Swelling is normal after surgery and typically peaks around day three, then gradually improves. Ice therapy during the first 48 hours helps reduce swelling. After 48 hours, warm compresses may be used if comfortable.
Some stiffness when opening your mouth (trismus), a sore throat, or discomfort when swallowing may occur and usually resolves within a few days.
Bleeding
Light bleeding or blood-tinged saliva is normal. If bleeding continues:
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Gently remove old clots
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Bite firmly on fresh gauze for 30 minutes
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If needed, bite on a moistened tea bag for 30 minutes (the tannic acid helps clot formation)
Remain upright and avoid strenuous activity. If bleeding does not improve, contact the office.
Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is important for healing and infection prevention.
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Do not rinse on the day of surgery
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Brush your teeth gently, avoiding surgical sites
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Starting the next day, use gentle salt-water rinses after meals
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Use any prescribed mouth rinse as directed
Diet
Stick to a soft or semi-liquid diet for the first 24 hours, then advance as tolerated. Avoid foods with seeds, nuts, or hard textures. Chew away from the surgical area when possible.
Antibiotics and Other Medications
If antibiotics were prescribed, take the entire course as directed. Stop the medication and contact our office if you develop a rash, itching, or severe diarrhea. Resume all routine home medications unless instructed otherwise.
Dry Socket Awareness
A dry socket occurs when the blood clot is lost prematurely. Symptoms usually begin 2–3 days after surgery and may include increasing pain that radiates to the ear. If you suspect a dry socket, call the office promptly for treatment.
When to Contact Our Office
Please call if you experience:
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Worsening pain or swelling after day four
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Persistent bleeding
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Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
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Foul drainage or taste
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Nausea, vomiting, or difficulty urinating
Emergency Symptoms — Call 911
Seek immediate medical care if you develop:
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Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
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Facial drooping
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Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
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Sudden vision loss
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Chest pain or shortness of breath
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Severe, unexplained headache
Final Notes
Sutures may loosen or fall out—this is normal. The extraction site will gradually fill in with new tissue over the next several weeks. Keep the area clean, be gentle, and avoid taking advice from non-professionals.
Every patient heals differently. If you have questions or concerns, contact our office—we are here to help ensure a smooth recovery.
