Post-extraction care instructions
Having a tooth removed is a routine procedure — but how well you care for the socket afterwards plays a big role in how quickly and comfortably you heal. Please follow these instructions carefully.
Immediately after your extraction
Bite firmly on the gauze pad placed by your dentist for 1 hour after your procedure — this helps the blood clot to form, which is essential for healing
If bleeding continues, replace the gauze with a fresh piece and continue biting firmly for another 30 minutes
Do not spit, rinse, or drink through a straw for the first 24 hours — these actions create suction that can dislodge the blood clot
Do not touch the extraction site with your tongue or fingers
Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours — smoking significantly increases the risk of dry socket and slows healing
Managing pain and swelling
Some pain and swelling after an extraction is completely normal and expected
Take pain relief as directed by your dentist. Take them before the local anaesthetic wears off for best effect
You may apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling
Swelling typically peaks at 48–72 hours before gradually improving — this is normal
Sleep with your head slightly elevated on an extra pillow for the first night to reduce swelling
Eating and drinking
Eat soft foods for the first few days — think porridge, scrambled eggs, yoghurt, soft tofu, and soup
Avoid hard, crunchy, and chewy foods that could disturb the clot or get lodged in the socket
Avoid very hot food and drinks for the first 24 hours
Stay well hydrated — drink plenty of water
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after your procedure
Oral hygiene after extraction
Do not brush the extraction site directly for the first 24 hours — brush the rest of your teeth gently as normal
From day 2 onwards, gently rinse with warm salt water 3–4 times a day especially after meals — dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and let it flow gently around your mouth without vigorous swishing
Resume gentle brushing around the extraction site from day 2, taking care not to disturb the healing tissue
Continue good oral hygiene throughout the healing period — a clean mouth heals faster
What to expect during healing
Day 1–2: Some bleeding, swelling, and discomfort — this is normal
Day 3–4: Swelling peaks then begins to subside. Pain should be improving (swelling is more common for surgical extractions, as compared to non-surgical extractions)
Day 5–7: The socket begins to close. Most patients feel significantly better by this point
2–4 weeks: Soft tissue fully healed over the socket
Several months: The bone underneath continues to remodel and fill in — this is not visible but is happening!
Signs to watch out for
Please contact your dentist if you experience any of the following:
Bleeding that does not stop after 1–2 hours of firm gauze pressure
Severe or worsening pain after 3–4 days — this may be a sign of dry socket, which requires treatment
Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell — this may indicate infection
Swelling that is worsening rather than improving after 3 days
Pus or an unpleasant taste or smell from the socket
Numbness that persists beyond the expected duration of the local anaesthetic
What is dry socket and how do I avoid it?
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms in the extraction site is dislodged or dissolves before the wound has healed — exposing the underlying bone to air and food debris. It is painful but treatable.
To avoid dry socket:
Do not spit, rinse, or use a straw for the first 24 hours
Do not smoke for at least 72 hours
Avoid vigorous exercise for the first 24 hours
Eat soft foods and avoid disturbing the socket
