After a Tooth Extraction: Your Recovery Guide

Thank you for trusting us with your care. These steps will help you look after the extraction site and recover comfortably. Follow any specific advice your dentist gave you.

The first 24 hours

Protect the blood clot

Do not disturb the blood clot while it is forming. Once it has formed, do not disturb or dislodge it. The clot protects the wound and supports healing. For the first 24 hours, do not rinse, spit forcefully or touch the socket with your tongue or fingers. Avoid straws and do not pick at the area.

While your mouth is numb

Numbness can last for several hours. Wait until it has worn off before eating, and avoid hot drinks. Take care not to bite your lip, cheek or tongue.

If the area bleeds

Minor bleeding that gives your saliva a pinkish tinge is normal and may occur during the first 24 hours after the extraction. This does not require gauze. Gauze can stick to the blood clot and remove it.

For heavier, active bleeding, place the damp gauze we supplied over the socket and bite firmly for 30 minutes without chewing or repeatedly checking. Sit quietly with your head raised. If bleeding continues, call us.

Managing discomfort

Use the pain relief recommended by your dentist. If taking paracetamol, follow the packet directions and do not exceed the dose. Avoid aspirin for pain relief. If you already take prescribed aspirin or a blood thinner, do not stop it without advice from your prescriber. Contact us if you have concerns about your medicines.

Swelling and cold packs

Some swelling is expected. During the first 24 hours, use a cold pack wrapped in a towel: 20 minutes on, then 20 minutes off. Never put ice directly on your skin. After the first day, ask us whether a warm compress would help.

Food and toothbrushing

Choose cool, soft foods for the first 24 hours and chew on the other side. Avoid hot, hard or spicy foods, nuts, seeds and popcorn. Brush your other teeth gently, keeping the toothbrush away from the socket.

Over the next few days

Rest and avoid strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours. Avoid smoking or vaping for at least 48 hours, and preferably longer while healing. Continue soft foods, moving towards your usual diet as comfortable. Avoid straws during early healing.

Keeping your mouth clean

After the first 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water after meals, unless your dentist has given different instructions. Use half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water. Avoid vigorous swishing. Continue careful brushing around the healing area.

Healing and stitches

Recovery varies with the extraction and your general health. The gum can take a few weeks to close; deeper healing takes longer. Smoking and some medical conditions can slow healing. Dissolving stitches may remain for a few weeks. If your stitches need removal, we will arrange a follow-up appointment.

When to contact us

Call us if bleeding continues after firm pressure; pain becomes severe or worsens after initially improving; swelling increases; or you develop fever, discharge or an unpleasant taste. If numbness persists into the next day, contact us for advice. Do not wait several days if symptoms are getting worse.

For difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading swelling, or heavy uncontrolled bleeding, seek emergency care. Call 000 for a life-threatening emergency.

Call (07) 5593 6461. If the practice is closed and your concern cannot wait, seek urgent dental or medical care.

Why replace a missing tooth?

Once the extraction site is healing, we can discuss whether replacing the tooth would help you. The choice depends on the tooth, your bite and your goals. Wisdom teeth usually do not need replacement.

Your immediate priority is healing and protecting the blood clot. As you recover, we can review the gap and discuss a plan for your bite. This illustration shows possible longer-term changes around a missing tooth.

Our companion guide, Why replacing a missing tooth is more important than you think, explains how tooth movement and bone changes can affect later options. Early planning doesn’t necessarily mean immediate treatment.

Browse Patient Guides for more information.