🦷 Post-Operative Care After Tooth Extraction

Posted on January 12, 2026 By Dr. Siddharth Deliwala 5 min read

Important: Following these instructions carefully will ensure smooth healing and prevent complications after your tooth extraction. If you have any concerns, contact us immediately at +91-9429575769

📋 Essential First Steps

🩹

Gauze Care

Hour 1

Bite gently on gauze for 1 full hour. Don't remove repeatedly. This helps form blood clot.

❄️

Ice Application

First 24 Hours

Apply ice pack for 10 min ON, 10 min OFF. Repeat 3-4 times to reduce swelling.

💊

Take Medications

As Prescribed

Take pain medication before anesthesia wears off. Complete full antibiotic course.

🛌

Rest & Elevate

24-48 Hours

Sleep with head elevated on 2-3 pillows. Avoid strenuous activity.

🍽️ What to Eat & Avoid

Safe to Eat

🍦

Ice Cream (plain)

🥛

Cold Milk

🥣

Yogurt, Dahi

🍲

Lukewarm Soup

🥔

Mashed Potatoes

🍌

Soft Fruits

Tip: Eat on the opposite side. Drink directly from cup - NO STRAWS!

Avoid These

🔥

Hot Foods/Drinks

🌶️

Spicy Foods

🥜

Hard/Crunchy

🚭

Smoking

🍺

Alcohol

🥤

Using Straws

Warning: Smoking & straws can cause painful dry socket!

🪥 Oral Hygiene Guide

🚫

First 24 Hours

Do NOT rinse, spit, or brush near extraction site. Let blood clot form.

💧

After 24 Hours

Start gentle saltwater rinses (½ tsp salt in warm water) 3-4 times daily.

🪥

Brushing

Use soft brush. Avoid extraction site. Brush other teeth gently.

📅 Healing Timeline

1

Hour 1

Remove gauze. Apply ice. No eating for 2 hours.

2

24 Hours

Start saltwater rinses. Gentle oral hygiene. Some swelling normal.

3

Day 2-3

Peak swelling (normal). Continue ice, soft diet, medications.

4

Day 4-7

Swelling reduces. Gradually return to normal diet.

5

Week 2+

Most healing visible. Return to normal activities.

✅ Quick Do's & Don'ts

DO's

  • Sleep with head elevated
  • Take all medications on time
  • Use ice for first 24 hours
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Rest and avoid strain
  • Use saltwater rinses (after 24h)
  • Attend follow-up appointments
  • Contact us with any concerns

DON'Ts

  • Don't use straws (24-72 hrs)
  • Don't rinse or spit harshly
  • Don't touch the extraction site
  • Don't smoke or drink alcohol (7 days)
  • Don't do strenuous exercise (48h)
  • Don't eat hot/hard/spicy foods
  • Don't skip medications
  • Don't ignore warning signs

⚠️ When to Call Us IMMEDIATELY

Severe pain not relieved by medication

Heavy bleeding after 24 hours

Fever above 100°F or chills

Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Increasing swelling after 3 days

Pus or bad odor from site

🚨 24/7 Emergency Support

If you need urgent assistance, call us immediately:

+91-9429575769

WISDOM Complete Dental Care, Rajkot

❓ Common Questions

Minor oozing is normal for 24-48 hours. If heavy bleeding continues after 3-4 hours despite biting gauze, contact us immediately.

The sucking motion can dislodge the blood clot and cause "dry socket" - a painful complication. Avoid straws for at least 3-5 days.

For simple extractions: 1-2 days. For surgical extractions or wisdom teeth: 3-5 days. Avoid heavy physical work for at least a week.

This is usually granulation tissue - a normal part of healing. However, if accompanied by severe pain, contact us as it could be dry socket.

Need to schedule a follow-up or have questions?

Contact WISDOM Dental Care
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