Post-Op Instructions
After Your Tooth Extraction
Protecting the blood clot is the single most important thing you can do today. Follow these instructions closely for a smooth, complication-free recovery.
Learn more about tooth extractions at MDRN Dental Studio →
1 The First Hour — Controlling Bleeding
Bite firmly on the gauze pad placed over the extraction site. Maintain steady pressure for 30–45 minutes without removing or checking it.
If bleeding continues after the first pad, replace with a fresh piece of gauze and bite down for another 30 minutes. Biting on a moistened tea bag is an effective alternative — the tannic acid helps the clot form.
A small amount of pink-tinged saliva is normal. Active bleeding that fills your mouth repeatedly is not — call us right away.
Do not spit, use a straw, or rinse forcefully during this time. Suction dislodges the clot.
2 The First 24 Hours — Protecting the Clot
The blood clot that forms in the socket is your body's first step toward healing. Protecting it is the most important thing you can do today.
- The night of your extraction, avoid brushing your teeth
- Do not smoke, vape, or use any tobacco products — suction and chemicals from smoke are a leading cause of dry socket
- Do not drink through a straw, spit forcefully, or rinse aggressively
- Do not drink alcohol or take blood-thinning medications for 3 days unless directed by your doctor
- Avoid hot foods and beverages — eat soft, cool foods (yogurt, applesauce, scrambled eggs, smoothies)
- Rest — avoid strenuous activity and exercise, which raises blood pressure and can restart bleeding
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated on an extra pillow to minimize swelling
If a bone graft was placed:
Small white or tan granules near the socket are graft particles — this is expected. Do not be alarmed if a few surface in the first day or two. Try not to disturb the site. A resorbable suture was placed to protect the site; it will dissolve on its own.
If a collagen plug was placed:
You may notice a white or yellowish material covering the socket. This is the collagen plug — it is not food debris and should not be removed. It dissolves on its own and helps protect the site during early healing.
3 Managing Swelling and Discomfort
Some degree of swelling, bruising, and soreness is completely normal. Apply an ice pack to your cheek — 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off — for the first 24 hours. After 48 hours, switch to warm compresses if swelling persists.
Swelling typically peaks around 48–72 hours and then gradually improves.
For pain and inflammation, take ibuprofen 800 mg every 8 hours with food as prescribed. Do not skip doses even if you feel comfortable — staying ahead of inflammation is key.
If you need additional relief, take acetaminophen (Tylenol 500 mg) at the same time as your ibuprofen, every 8 hours. Taking them together — not alternating — provides stronger combined relief than either alone.
Do not take aspirin for pain — it thins the blood and may prolong bleeding.
4 Rinsing and Oral Hygiene
Do not rinse at all on the day of your procedure.
Starting the morning after, rinse gently with warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of warm water) after meals and at bedtime. Let the water fall out of your mouth rather than spitting forcefully.
A prescription rinse (chlorhexidine) may have been provided — use it as directed.
Brush your other teeth normally, but avoid the extraction site for the first few days.
5 Eating and Drinking
Stick to soft foods for the first 3–5 days: yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup (lukewarm, not hot), smoothies, eggs, pasta, fish.
Avoid hard, crunchy, or chewy foods that could disturb the clot or graft — no chips, nuts, popcorn, or raw vegetables.
Avoid seeds, grains, or small food particles that can lodge in the socket.
Stay well hydrated. No alcohol for at least 48 hours — it delays healing and interacts with medications.
6 Dry Socket — What It Is and How to Avoid It
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot is dislodged or dissolves before the socket heals. It causes significant pain that typically begins 2–3 days after extraction and radiates to the ear or jaw.
Dry socket is not an infection — but it is very uncomfortable and requires a brief in-office treatment. If you suspect dry socket, call us immediately.
The best prevention: avoid all suction (straws, smoking), forceful spitting, and disturbing the site for at least 72 hours.
When to Call Us
Contact Us If You Experience Any of the Following
- Bleeding that does not slow with steady gauze pressure after 60 minutes
- Severe or worsening pain 2–3 days after the extraction (possible dry socket)
- Swelling that worsens after the first 48 hours
- A fever
- Pus, foul odor, or a bad taste from the socket
- Numbness that persists beyond the expected 2–4 hours
- Any reaction to medication, including rash, hives, or difficulty breathing
Need to Follow Up?
We're Here for You
Questions about your recovery or concerned about how your extraction site is healing? Call or book a follow-up at MDRN Dental Studio in McKinney, TX.
6451 W University Dr, Ste 300 · McKinney, TX 75071