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 24–48 hours:

• Do not rinse or spit forcefully.
• If saliva or liquid needs to leave your mouth, let it drip out gently.
• Do not pick at or touch the surgical site.

Straws and strong suction

For 7 days: Avoid straws and other activities that create strong suction in your mouth.

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, vape, or use nicotine products

Avoid smoking, vaping, and nicotine products for at least 7 days after your extraction.

Longer is better while the area is healing.

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

Beginning after the first 24 hours, gentle rinsing may be started as instructed by Hidden Valley Dental Group.

• 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.