Caring For Your Extraction Site
Your tooth is out and your body is already healing. The first 72 hours matter the most: a blood clot must form in the socket and stay put, because that clot protects the bone and lets everything heal. Your job is to protect it.
The First 72 Hours
- Bite on gauze with firm pressure for 30 to 45 minutes, replacing if it soaks through.
- Some oozing is normal the first day. Blood mixed with saliva looks like more than it is.
- Rest, head elevated. Skip exercise the first few days. Ice 20 on, 20 off the first day.
Avoiding A Dry Socket
A dry socket is when the clot is knocked loose too early, exposing the bone. It is painful and preventable. For the first 72 hours:
- No straws, smoking, or spitting. The suction is the number one cause.
- Do not swish. Let liquid fall gently from your mouth.
- Keep tongue and fingers away from the socket.
Comfort & Eating
- Stay ahead of pain. Take medication on schedule before it sets in. Swelling peaks around day 2, then eases.
- Soft, cool foods the first day or two, chewing on the other side. Ease back to normal as it feels comfortable.
Keeping It Clean
- From day one, brush all your other teeth normally, including the ones in front of and behind the site, then rinse gently.
- Starting day four, begin warm salt water rinses a few times a day, and begin to very gently brush the extraction site itself. Gently is the key word.
Call Us If
- Bleeding is heavy and will not slow after 2 hours of pressure.
- Pain worsens around day 3 to 5 instead of improving. This can mean a dry socket, and we fix it fast.
- You have swelling with fever, or swelling that grows after day 3.
- You feel sharp edges that do not settle, or have any concern.
How To Heal As Fast As Possible
Healing is about giving the clot a calm, clean place to work. Protect it and your body does the rest.
- Protect the clot for 72 hours. No straws, smoking, or spitting. This is the single biggest thing that prevents a dry socket.
- Keep it clean the right way. Brush the neighboring teeth from day one, then add gentle salt water rinses and very gentle brushing of the site from day four.
- Eat well and hydrate so your body has what it needs to rebuild.
Follow these and most people feel close to normal within a few days!
Questions about your extraction or your recovery? Call the office anytime. We are here for you!
