After a tooth extraction or socket graft

The first day

• Keep firm pressure on gauze over the socket for 30 to 60 minutes. Some oozing overnight is normal. If bleeding continues, press on fresh folded gauze or a damp black tea bag for another 30 minutes.
• Hold a cold pack, wrapped in a cloth, against your face near the treated area for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off while you are awake.
• Rest, and keep your head raised on pillows the first night.
• Avoid hot food and drinks until the numbness wears off, so you do not burn or bite your cheek or tongue.

Protecting the blood clot

• For the first 24 hours, do not rinse, spit forcefully, or drink through a straw.
• Do not smoke or vape. Smoking is one of the main causes of dry socket.
• From the next day, rinse gently after meals with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water), unless you were given a different rinse.
• Brush your other teeth normally, and brush gently near the socket.

If a socket graft was placed

• Bone graft material may be held in place with stitches or a small covering. Do not poke at the area with your tongue or fingers.
• A few sand-like granules may come out over the first days. This is common.

Eating

• Eat soft foods for the first few days, and chew on the other side of your mouth.
• Avoid crumbly foods, small seeds, and hot drinks for the first day.

What to expect

• Discomfort is usually worst in the first two to three days and then improves.
• Dry socket happens when the clot is lost. It causes throbbing pain that starts one to three days after the extraction and gets worse, often with a bad taste. Call the office if this happens.

Medicines

• Take any medicines exactly as Dr. Smith prescribed or recommended, and finish every antibiotic you were given.
• If you take a blood thinner or other regular medicines, follow the plan you discussed before treatment.

Smoking and alcohol

• Avoid smoking and vaping while you heal. They slow healing and raise the risk of problems.
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours, and while you are taking prescription pain medicine.

When to call the office

• Bleeding that does not slow after 30 minutes of firm pressure
• Pain or swelling that gets worse after the third day instead of better
• A fever
• Pus, or a bad taste or smell that does not go away
• Numbness that has not worn off by the next day
• A reaction to a medicine, such as a rash, itching, or an upset stomach that does not settle
• Throbbing pain that starts or worsens a few days after the extraction
• Much of the graft or its covering comes out

Getting a dental implant →