Instructions After Surgical Tooth Extraction

After a surgical tooth extraction, the wound area needs special care during the first few days. Healing depends on protecting the blood clot, reducing swelling, and following the medications and instructions prescribed by your dentist. These guidelines help reduce discomfort and support better recovery.

First: Controlling Bleeding

Bite firmly on the gauze placed over the extraction site for 45 to 60 minutes, while keeping your mouth closed and applying steady pressure as much as possible. You may notice slight blood oozing during the first 24 hours after the extraction, and this is usually normal.

Avoid spitting or rinsing forcefully during the first day, as this may disturb the blood clot in the wound area and may lead to increased bleeding or delayed healing.

Second: Swelling and Compresses

Swelling after surgical extraction is normal, and it usually reaches its peak within 48 to 72 hours. During the first 24 hours, apply cold compresses to the outside of the cheek for 10 minutes, then remove them for 10 minutes of rest, and repeat as needed.

After 48 hours, warm compresses may be used to help reduce swelling and tightness in the area, while following any specific instructions given by your dentist.

Third: Medications and Pain Relief

Take the prescribed pain medications, such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol, according to your dentist’s instructions. Do not take extra doses on your own. If an antibiotic is prescribed, complete the full course as directed, even if you feel better before finishing it.

Do not stop the medication by yourself, as stopping antibiotics or pain medications incorrectly may affect recovery or allow symptoms to return.

Fourth: Food and Drinks After Extraction

On the first day after extraction, eat cold or lukewarm soft foods, such as yogurt, mashed foods, or lukewarm soup. Try to chew on the opposite side, away from the wound, to avoid pressure or irritation.

Avoid spicy or hard foods, and avoid carbonated drinks. You should also avoid using a straw, as suction may disturb the blood clot and may cause bleeding or delayed healing.

Fifth: Oral Hygiene and Wound Care

Do not rinse your mouth during the first 24 hours after extraction. After that, you may rinse gently with warm salt water 2 to 3 times daily, without forceful rinsing.

Brush your teeth normally, while avoiding the wound area. If your dentist prescribed a mouthwash, use it exactly as instructed, and do not use any additional mouthwash without consulting your dentist.

Sixth: Stitches After Surgical Extraction

The stitches may be dissolvable, or they may need to be removed after 7 to 10 days, depending on the type of stitches and your dentist’s assessment. Do not pull, touch, or play with the stitches using your tongue or fingers, as this may irritate the area or reopen the wound.

If the stitches cause severe discomfort or seem to move abnormally, contact your dentist instead of trying to handle them yourself.

Seventh: Habits to Avoid

Avoid smoking for at least 72 hours after the extraction, and preferably for one week if possible, as smoking may affect healing and increase the risk of complications.

Also, avoid heavy physical effort during the first 2 to 3 days, and avoid touching the wound with your tongue or fingers, as this may irritate the area or increase bleeding.

When Should You Contact the Dentist

You should contact your dentist if you have heavy bleeding that does not stop, or if the pain increases after 3 to 4 days instead of improving, or if swelling becomes severe or starts increasing after it had begun to improve.

You should also contact your dentist if you develop fever, notice pus coming from the wound, or have difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing.