Post-Operative Care
Tooth Extraction Recovery
Following these instructions carefully will help ensure optimal healing and minimize complications.
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Immediate Post-Op
First 2 Hours
- •Bite firmly on gauze for 30-45 minutes without checking
- •Change gauze every 30 minutes if active bleeding continues
- •Take prescribed pain medication before numbness wears off
- •Keep head elevated at 30-45 degrees
- •Do NOT rinse, spit, or use straws
- •Apply ice pack to face: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off
- •Avoid touching the extraction site with fingers or tongue
- •Have a responsible adult stay with you
First Day Care
Hours 2-24
- •Continue ice therapy consistently (20 on / 20 off)
- •Take medications on schedule - do not wait for pain to worsen
- •Clear liquids and cool soft foods only (yogurt, applesauce)
- •Keep head elevated, even while sleeping (use extra pillows)
- •Rest completely - avoid any physical exertion
- •Slight oozing and blood-tinged saliva is normal
- •No rinsing, spitting, or sucking motions
- •Avoid hot foods and beverages until numbness resolves
Early Recovery
Days 2-3
- •Begin gentle salt water rinses (1/2 tsp salt in 8oz warm water)
- •Rinse gently after every meal - let water fall out of mouth
- •Continue ice therapy as needed for swelling
- •Swelling peaks around day 2-3 - this is completely normal
- •Soft foods: mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies
- •Gently brush teeth, carefully avoiding extraction sites
- •Take all medications as prescribed
- •Light walking is okay but avoid strenuous exercise
Progressive Healing
Days 4-7
- •Swelling should begin to noticeably decrease
- •Switch from ice to moist warm compresses if desired
- •Gradually introduce semi-soft foods as comfort allows
- •Continue salt water rinses after every meal
- •Bruising may appear along jaw and neck - will fade naturally
- •Resume gentle daily activities as tolerated
- •Dissolvable stitches may begin to loosen or fall out
- •Pain should be manageable with over-the-counter medication
Soft Tissue Recovery
Week 2
- •Most soft tissue healing is well underway
- •Gradually expand diet to include firmer foods
- •Continue oral hygiene with gentle brushing near sites
- •Follow up with our office as scheduled
- •Stitches removed at follow-up if non-dissolvable
- •Jaw stiffness should be improving
- •Resume normal activities including moderate exercise
Advanced Healing
Weeks 3-4
- •Socket continues to fill in with new gum tissue
- •Resume full normal diet - avoid chewing hard items directly on site
- •Resume all normal activities and exercise
- •Maintain excellent oral hygiene routine
- •Contact us with any lingering concerns
Complete Bone Healing
Months 2-6
- •Underlying bone continues to remodel and heal
- •Socket fully fills in with bone tissue
- •No dietary restrictions
- •Discuss tooth replacement options if applicable (implants, bridges)
- •Regular dental check-ups to monitor healing
- •Full bone maturation typically complete by 4-6 months