Tooth Extraction Aftercare & Post-Operative Instructions

Bleeding

• Bite firmly on the gauze placed over the extraction or surgical site for 30–45 minutes.
• If bleeding continues, replace it with fresh, slightly damp gauze and place it directly over the surgical site.
• Apply firm, steady pressure for another 30–45 minutes.
• Do not repeatedly remove the gauze to check the area. This can disturb the clot and restart bleeding.
• A moistened tea bag wrapped in gauze may also help if needed.
• Slight oozing or blood-tinged saliva can be normal during the first day.
• Remove gauze before eating, drinking, or going to sleep.
• Do not sleep with gauze in your mouth.

Protect the blood clot

For the first 24 hours:

• Do not rinse forcefully.
• Do not spit forcefully.
• If you need to empty liquid or excess saliva from your mouth, open your mouth over the sink and allow it to drip out gently rather than forcefully spitting.
• Do not pick at or touch the surgical site.
• Do not create unnecessary suction in your mouth.

Straws, spitting, and suction

Avoid using a drinking straw, forceful spitting, or other suction for at least 24–48 hours — and ideally for up to 7 days — after a tooth extraction.

Suction can disturb or dislodge the healing blood clot and increase the risk of bleeding or dry socket.

Drink directly from a cup instead.

Do not smoke or vape

Do not smoke or vape for at least 5 days after the extraction.

Longer avoidance is better for healing when possible.

Smoking and vaping can interfere with clot stability and healing.

Pain and swelling

• Take medications only as directed by your dentist, physician, or the medication label.
• Use an ice pack on the outside of the face during the first day as directed.
• Swelling may increase during the first 48–72 hours before gradually improving.
• Keep your head elevated when resting during the first day and night. This may help reduce swelling and oozing.

Eating and drinking

• Start with soft foods and liquids.
• Avoid very hot foods or drinks while you are still numb.
• Chew away from the surgical site when possible.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Do not chew while your mouth is numb. This helps avoid accidentally biting your cheek, lip, or tongue.
• Avoid hard, sharp, or small foods that may irritate the surgical area or become trapped in the socket during early healing.
• Examples may include chips, popcorn, nuts, and seeds.

Mouth care

• Begin gentle oral hygiene around the surgical area.
• Brush your teeth carefully, but do not aggressively scrub the extraction site.
• If instructed, begin gentle warm salt-water rinses.
• Do not rinse forcefully.

Food

• Continue soft foods as needed.
• Continue chewing away from the surgical site.

Swelling and soreness

• Some swelling, soreness, bruising, or jaw stiffness may be normal.
• Swelling often reaches its greatest point around 48–72 hours after surgery and should then gradually improve.

Healing

• Keep the area clean.
• Continue gentle brushing and any recommended rinses.
• Gradually return to your normal diet as comfort allows.
• Avoid chewing hard, sharp, or debris-producing foods directly on the surgical area during early healing.

Activity

Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 2–3 days.

After that, gradually return to normal activity as tolerated.

Stop and rest if activity causes:

• Throbbing
• Bleeding
• Increased discomfort

Warm compresses

If jaw stiffness or lingering swelling remains after the first 48 hours, a warm, moist compress may be soothing.

Stitches

If stitches were placed, follow the instructions given by HVDG regarding whether they dissolve or need to be removed.

Depending on the procedure, you may experience:

• Mild bleeding or oozing during the first day
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Soreness
• Jaw stiffness
• Mild difficulty opening the mouth
• Tenderness around the surgical area

These symptoms should generally begin to improve as healing progresses. Call HVDG if symptoms are getting significantly worse.