Aftercare
Aftercare for a Tooth Extraction
After a tooth extraction, the most important goal is to protect the blood clot that forms in the socket, because it starts the healing process. A small amount of bleeding and some tenderness are normal in the first day. Following these steps, and the instructions Dr. Lee gives you, helps the area heal comfortably.
What should you do in the first 24 hours?
- Keep firm, steady pressure on the gauze for the time Dr. Lee recommends, replacing it if the area is still oozing.
- Rest, and keep your head raised on a pillow when you lie down.
- Do not smoke, spit forcefully, or rinse vigorously.
- Avoid drinking through a straw for 24 hours, since the suction can loosen the clot.
- Take pain relief as Dr. Lee recommends.
What can you eat?
Follow the diet Dr. Lee suggests, starting with soft, cool foods such as yogurt, smoothies eaten with a spoon, mashed potatoes, and soup that has cooled. Chew on the other side of your mouth, and avoid hot, crunchy, or spicy foods until the area feels comfortable. Drink plenty of water.
How do you keep the area clean?
Brush and floss your other teeth as usual, but do not clean the teeth right next to the extraction site at first. For the first few days, if you need to rinse, rinse gently and let the water fall from your mouth. Dr. Lee will tell you when to begin gentle warm saltwater rinses.
What is normal as the area heals?
| Time | What to expect |
|---|---|
| First day | Light oozing and tenderness; the blood clot forms |
| Days 2 to 3 | Tenderness begins to ease; some stiffness is possible after a surgical extraction |
| First week | The gum begins to close over the socket |
| Following weeks | The bone gradually fills in where the root was |
When should you call the office?
Call the office if bleeding continues after steady pressure, if you notice swelling, or if pain keeps getting stronger after the first few days. Increasing pain a few days after an extraction can be a sign of dry socket, when the clot is lost and the bone is exposed, and Dr. Lee can treat it. Call promptly for fever, a bad taste with discharge, or trouble swallowing.
Frequently asked questions
What is dry socket?
Dry socket happens when the blood clot over the socket is dislodged, leaving bone and nerves exposed, and it causes increasing pain a few days after an extraction. Call the office if you suspect it, and Dr. Lee can clean the area and place a soothing dressing.
When can I smoke again?
Avoid smoking and other tobacco use while the socket heals, since it can delay healing and loosen the clot. Ask Dr. Lee how long to wait for your extraction.
When can I return to exercise?
Rest for the remainder of the day, and avoid strenuous activity for the next few days, since it can restart bleeding. Dr. Lee will advise you based on your extraction.
When is Smile Art open?
We are open Monday to Thursday, 8:00am to 4:00pm. If you are in pain or have swelling, call us right away.
Related pages
Sources
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy.org: Extractions
- American Dental Association, MouthHealthy.org: Dry Socket
This guide follows the American Dental Association's patient guidance. It does not replace the instructions Dr. Lee gives you for your treatment, which come first.
Where is our Seattle dental office?
Smile Art is at 901 Boren Ave, Suite 1030, Seattle, WA 98104. We welcome new patients from Seattle and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Seattle, WA 98104
HoursMonday–Thursday, 8:00am–4:00pm
Phone(206) 325-7200
The Cabrini Medical Tower garage entrance is at 1010 Marion St. The building entrance is on Boren Ave; Dr. Lee is in Suite 1030. Parking for a Smile Art visit does not require validation. Directions to the garage. Check posted rates when you park.