Recommendations After Tooth Extraction
Step-by-step recovery plan
First 30 minutes
- A blood clot forms in the socket.
- Keep the gauze pad in place for 20–30 minutes, then carefully remove it.
- Light oozing of blood during this time is normal.
First 2 hours
- It is important to rest and avoid physical activity.
- Numbness and reduced sensation due to anesthesia are possible.
First 24 hours
- Active clot formation and early healing take place.
- Moderate pain and increasing swelling are possible.
- Protect the extraction area and avoid any actions that could disturb the clot.
Days 2–3
- Swelling and discomfort may peak — this is normal.
- Pain should gradually decrease, not increase.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions if prescribed.
Up to 7 days
- Healing continues and discomfort gradually subsides.
- The socket becomes covered with tissue and sensitivity returns.
- If your condition worsens, a dental examination is required.
What you can and cannot do
| ✅ CAN | ❌ CANNOT |
|---|---|
| Eat soft, warm (not hot) foods after 2 hours (mashed foods, omelet, yogurt, soup) | Eat hot, spicy, acidic, or hard foods |
| Drink cool water after 2 hours in small sips | Drink hot beverages |
| Gently brush teeth, avoiding the extraction site | Injure the socket with a toothbrush, tongue, or objects |
| Apply cold to the cheek through a cloth | Apply warming compresses |
| Rest and maintain a calm routine | Engage in sports or heavy physical activity |
| Perform gentle “baths” if prescribed by the doctor | Actively rinse the mouth during the first 24 hours |
| Take pain medication if permitted | Place medications into the socket on your own |
| Refrain from smoking for 48–72 hours or longer | Smoke, vape, or use hookah and heated tobacco products |
Avoid active rinsing and mechanical impact on the extraction area.
Normal reactions after extraction
The following reactions are normal during the first days after extraction:
Bleeding
Light oozing of blood during the first hours after extraction is normal.
If bleeding increases or lasts more than 2–3 hours, press a sterile gauze pad for 20–30 minutes and contact your doctor.
Pain
Moderate pain during the first day after extraction is expected.
Take painkillers only as prescribed by your doctor and do not exceed the recommended dose.
Swelling
Swelling usually increases over 2–3 days and then gradually decreases.
Apply cold through a cloth for 10–15 minutes with breaks during the first 6–8 hours.
Body temperature
A slight increase in body temperature (up to 37.5 °C) during the first 1–2 days after extraction is possible and normal.
If the temperature rises above 38 °C or lasts more than 2 days, contact your doctor.
When to seek urgent medical care
- bleeding does not stop for more than 3 hours
- pain increases or appears on days 2–3
- body temperature is above 38 °C
- pus, a strong unpleasant odor, or taste appears
- swelling increases after 3 days or spreads
Frequently asked questions
After 2–3 hours, once the anesthesia has worn off. Food should be soft and not hot.
It is best to avoid hot drinks during the first day. After that, only warm beverages.
The later, the better. At least 48–72 hours to avoid disrupting healing and causing dry socket.
Active rinsing can wash out the blood clot, slowing healing and increasing the risk of inflammation.
It is a condition where the clot is lost or destroyed, causing severe pain and unpleasant odor. A dental examination is required.
It is better to ask your doctor than to worry.
Prescribed medications
Pain relievers (NSAIDs)
Take strictly according to your doctor’s instructions.
Do not combine medications without approval.
Antiseptic agents
Use with the specified frequency.
Perform rinses gently, without active movements.
Antibiotic
Not always required.
If prescribed, complete the full course.
Additional medications
Decongestants or antihistamines — only as recommended by your doctor.
