What to Do After Tooth Extraction?

Having a tooth pulled might not be anyone’s idea of fun, but it’s often necessary to protect your overall oral health. Whether it’s due to decay, infection, or crowding, knowing what to do after tooth extraction can make a big difference in how smoothly you recover.

At Lakewood Family Dental Care, we guide patients every day through extractions and healing. With the right aftercare steps, you’ll reduce pain, avoid complications, and get back to feeling normal in no time.

Here’s what you need to know—and do—after a tooth extraction.

Essential Care Steps After Tooth Extraction

The first 24–48 hours after your extraction are crucial. This is when your body forms a blood clot at the extraction site—a natural scab that protects your bone and nerves during healing.

Let’s walk through the step-by-step care you’ll need to support that process.

Bite on Gauze to Stop Bleeding (30–45 Minutes)

Right after the extraction, your tooth extraction dentist will place a clean piece of gauze over the site. Your job? Bite down firmly.

• Keep steady pressure on the gauze for 30–45 minutes
• If bleeding continues, replace with a new gauze pad and bite down again
• Avoid talking or chewing during this time

This pressure helps form a clot and slows bleeding. Try not to panic if it takes a little longer—some bleeding is normal in the first few hours.

Avoid Rinsing or Spitting for 24 Hours

That clot we talked about? It’s delicate. Rinsing, spitting, or even sucking through a straw can dislodge it, leading to a painful complication called dry socket.

For the first day:

• Skip mouthwash or vigorous rinsing
• Avoid using a straw
• Don’t spit—let saliva drip if needed

After 24 hours, you can gently clean with warm salt water to keep the area clean.

Apply Ice Packs to Reduce Swelling

Swelling is your body’s way of healing, but you can manage it with cold therapy.

How to apply ice effectively:

• Utilize an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas
• Wrap it in a towel—never place directly on skin
• Apply for 15 minutes on, then 15 minutes off
• Continue for the first 24 hours

This also helps numb the area and minimize bruising.

Take Pain Medication as Prescribed

Everyone’s pain tolerance is different, and some extractions are more complex than others. Your dentist in Dallas may recommend over-the-counter meds or prescribe something stronger depending on your case.

• Stick to the recommended dosage
• Don’t wait until the pain is severe—stay ahead of it
• Avoid aspirin, as it can increase bleeding

If you have side effects or the pain feels unmanageable, call your dentist right away.

Eat Soft Food Items and Avoid Hot or Spicy Items

Chewing can feel uncomfortable in the early stages, so choose easy-to-eat foods that won’t irritate the site.

Best soft food options:

• Mashed potatoes
• Applesauce
• Scrambled eggs
• Smoothies (use a spoon, not a straw!)
• Yogurt

Avoid anything hot, spicy, crunchy, or acidic for the first few days. These can cause inflammation or disturb the healing area.

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol for 48 Hours

Both tobacco and alcohol slow down healing and increase your risk of infection or dry socket.

Here’s why it’s important to take a break:

• Smoking restricts blood flow, slowing clot formation
• Alcohol can irritate tissue and interfere with medications
• The sucking motion from cigarettes mimics using a straw—disrupting the clot

Even if you’re a regular smoker, give your mouth a chance to heal properly. It’ll pay off.

Rest and Keep Your Head Elevated

After any procedure, your body needs rest to heal. The same is true for a tooth extraction.

• Take it easy for 24–48 hours
• Avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise
• Prop your head up with an extra pillow at night
• Use a towel to catch any slight drooling while sleeping

Keeping your head elevated helps minimize swelling and speeds up healing.

Follow Up With Your Dentist

Your healing process doesn’t end when you leave the dental chair. A follow-up appointment ensures the area is healing well and that no complications arise.

A good Lakewood dentist will check:

• That the site is closing properly
• If stitches (if any) are dissolving as expected
• That no infection is developing

At Lakewood Family Dental Care, we make sure every patient gets personal care post-extraction and leaves with clear instructions.

Quick Recap: What to Do After Tooth Extraction

• Bite on gauze for 30–45 minutes
• Skip rinsing and spitting for 24 hours
• Ice your face to reduce swelling
• Take meds exactly as prescribed
• Eat soft, non-spicy foods
• Don’t smoke or drink for 48 hours
• Rest and elevate your head
• Go to your follow-up visit

Conclusion

Tooth extraction may sound intimidating, but recovery doesn’t have to be complicated. Most people heal quickly and comfortably with the right post-op care. By following all these tips and keeping in touch with a dentist near you, you’ll lower your risk of complications and feel back to normal sooner.

And remember, healing is just one step—your dentist will also guide you on what comes next, whether that’s a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture.

Don’t let a tooth extraction stress you out. With care, rest, and support, you’ll be smiling again in no time.