How to Take Care of Yourself After Tooth Extraction

The recovery time for tooth extraction varies based on a number of factors, including the difficulty of the extraction and the patient's general condition. The soft tissue and gum at the extraction site will typically recover in two weeks, however, the jawbone may take many weeks to heal completely.

For a routine extraction, expect a 7-10 day recovery period. Surgical cases, such as wisdom tooth extraction, might take up to 3-4 weeks to heal.

A Guide Through Recovery

Day 1

Immediate aftercare

Following the treatment, a gauze pad will be applied to the extraction site to assist stop bleeding and establish a blood clot. This should be left in place for approximately 3-4 hours.

Pain and swelling

It is typical to have some discomfort and edema. Apply a cold compress to the affected region to alleviate these symptoms.

Eating and drinking

On the first day, limit your intake to soft meals and lukewarm beverages.

Days 2-3

On days 2-3, swelling peaks. Swelling usually peaks on the second or third day and then begins to subside.

Gentle rinsing

Begin gently washing your mouth with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in an 8-ounce glass of warm water) after meals to remove food particles.

Continue on a light diet

Continue eating soft, easy-to-chew meals.

Days 4-7

Gradual return to a normal diet

As your body heals, you can gradually resume your usual diet.

Healing of soft tissues

By the end of the first week, the soft tissue should be healing and any sutures may be ready to be removed.

Weeks 2–4

Bone mending

The bone starts to repair and fill up the space where the tooth was. This process takes a few weeks.

Weeks 4 onward

Complete healing

Complete healing of the region often takes 3-4 weeks, especially if the extraction was surgical and required sutures. 

What to Do After Tooth Extraction?

1. Follow the Aftercare Instructions

Your dentist or oral surgeon will give you specific aftercare recommendations. This may contain detailed instructions for cleaning the extraction site, taking recommended drugs, and managing discomfort.

2. Maintain Dental Hygiene

Brush your teeth and tongue gently as usual, but avoid the extraction site for the first day. After that, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times each day to keep the extraction site clean.

3. Eat Soft Foods

To avoid damaging the extraction site, follow a soft-food diet for a few days. Choose things like mashed potatoes, soup, yogurt, smoothies, and scrambled eggs.

4. Manage Pain and Swelling

If you are experiencing discomfort or swelling, take the over-the-counter pain relievers advised by your dentist. Ice packs can also help minimize swelling.

5. Avoid Hard or Crunchy Foods

Avoid crunchy or hard foods that might irritate the extraction site or become caught in the tooth socket, causing infection or pain. 

6. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of drinks to keep hydrated, but avoid using a straw since the suction may dislodge the blood clot.

7. Rest and Relax

Allow your body time to rest and recuperate. Avoid intense activity or exercise for at least the first day following the extraction.

8. Attend Follow-Up Appointments

Do not miss any follow-up appointments with your dental professional. These visits are vital for tracking your healing process and resolving any issues. 

9. Beware of a Dry Socket

Dry socket, sometimes called alveolar osteitis, is a painful dental disease that can develop when a permanent adult tooth is removed.

Symptoms of dry socket are:

• Severe pain within a few days of tooth extraction;


• Partial or complete loss of the blood clot at the tooth extraction site, which you may perceive as an empty (dry) socket;


• Visible bone in the socket;


• Pain that spreads from the socket to your ear, eye, temple, or neck on the same side of your face as the extraction;


• Bad breath or an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth;


• Bad taste in your tongue.

If you feel you have a dry socket, you should consult your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.