Recovering After Your Tooth Extraction
Please keep these instructions nearby during your recovery. Follow the directions provided by your surgeon, and contact the office if you have questions or concerns.
Today: Your First 24 Hours
- Bite firmly on gauze for 1 hour.
- Replace the gauze every hour as needed.
- Use ice for 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off.
- Rest with your head elevated.
- Drink plenty of fluids.
- Begin your medications as directed.
Bleeding
A small amount of bleeding and oozing is normal for the first 24 hours.
If bleeding continues:
- Replace the gauze.
- Bite firmly for 1 hour.
- Repeat as needed.
Swelling
Swelling is normal after surgery and usually reaches its maximum 3–4 days after your procedure.
To help reduce swelling:
- Use ice 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off for the first 72 hours.
- Keep your head elevated while resting.
- Beginning on Day 4, you may switch to heat.
Eating & Drinking
Eating and drinking the right foods can help keep you comfortable and support healing.
| Recommended Foods | Foods to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Soft foods | Chips |
| Yogurt | Nuts |
| Scrambled eggs | Seeds |
| Mashed potatoes | Popcorn |
| Pasta | |
| Applesauce | |
| Pancakes | |
| Ice cream | |
| Jello |
Medications
Take all medications exactly as prescribed. If you have any questions about your medications, please contact our office.
Pain Medication
Tylenol (Acetaminophen): 325–500 mg
Ibuprofen: 800 mg (if tolerated)
For most patients, we recommend taking ibuprofen and Tylenol together for the best pain control, unless you have been instructed not to take ibuprofen or cannot tolerate it.
Norco (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen)
If you need to take Norco, replace your Tylenol dose with Norco. Continue taking ibuprofen as directed unless you have been instructed not to.
Antibiotics
If you were prescribed an antibiotic, take it as directed and finish the entire prescription.
Oral Hygiene
Keeping your mouth clean is one of the most important things you can do to promote healing and reduce the risk of infection.
First 24 Hours
- Do not rinse.
- Do not brush.
Beginning Tomorrow
- Begin warm salt water rinses.
- Resume brushing. Avoid whitening toothpaste and toothpaste containing peroxide or baking soda.
Beginning Day 5
- Begin using the curve-tip syringe, filling it with alcohol-based mouth rinse (Listerine or Scope).
- Irrigate the extraction sites 4 times per day, especially after meals, to help remove food debris and promote healing.
Beginning Day 7
- Dip your toothbrush in alcohol-based mouth rinse (Listerine or Scope) and start scrubbing the extraction sites. Minor bleeding and discomfort are expected.
Common Questions About Healing
Is the white tissue normal?
Yes. White or yellow tissue over the extraction site is a normal part of healing.
Why is the extraction site bleeding again?
Minor bleeding may occur when brushing or irrigating the extraction site. This is expected.
Food keeps getting trapped in the extraction site.
This is normal. Continue irrigating the extraction site after meals to help remove food debris.
When to Call Our Office
| Normal Healing | Call Our Office If… |
|---|---|
| Mild bleeding | Heavy bleeding |
| Swelling | Fever over 101°F |
| Bruising | Difficulty breathing or swallowing |
| Jaw stiffness | Medication reaction |
If you have any questions about your recovery, we would rather hear from you than have you worry at home. Please don’t hesitate to call our office.
Office: (574) 289-0080
After-Hours Emergency: Follow the prompts to reach Dr. Tate.
Download the Full Post-Operative Instructions
For a printable copy of these instructions, please download the post-operative instructions PDF below.
