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Recovery after tooth extraction

Recovery after tooth extraction is one of the most common concerns patients have following the procedure.
 
painkillers after tooth extraction

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What to do after a tooth extraction?

Tooth extraction is a procedure many patients fear, and it’s quite common for them to forget the dentist’s instructions afterward.
 
Stress and discomfort often accompany the procedure, so it’s understandable that some important details might be missed.
 
That’s why we provide all our patients with written post-op instructions. This way, they always have clear guidelines at hand and can follow them throughout their recovery. Written instructions offer extra reassurance and reduce the chance of misunderstandings.
 
It’s very important to follow your dentist’s advice closely to avoid possible complications after the procedure. Proper recovery supports a quicker return to everyday activities and contributes to long-term oral health.
 
 

Post-op instructions after tooth extraction:

After the extraction, your dentist will place a sterile gauze pad over the wound. Keep it firmly pressed between your teeth for 20 minutes.

Mild bleeding is normal, but it’s important not to rinse your mouth for at least 24 hours, as rinsing can trigger more bleeding. Do not spit, swallow your saliva instead.

Eat on the opposite side of the mouth. Avoid hot foods and carbonated drinks after the extraction. Cold or cool foods and drinks are recommended. Do not smoke for at least 12 hours after the procedure - ideally, avoid smoking for several days.

Mild swelling may occur, so you can apply a cold compress to the outside of your face during the first 3 hours after the procedure. Do not apply pressure.

Pain is the most common symptom during recovery. If needed, take a painkiller such as ibuprofen. Avoid medications like Aspirin or Andol, or any containing acetylsalicylic acid, as they can increase bleeding.

You can brush your teeth as usual with toothpaste and a toothbrush, but avoid the area of the extracted tooth.

If your dentist recommends it, you may start using a mouth rinse with chlorhexidine from the next day, or rinse gently with sage tea. You can also apply a gum gel to prevent inflammation caused by food getting trapped in the wound.
 

Unusual symptoms during recovery from tooth extraction

While recovery after a tooth extraction is usually straightforward, some patients may experience uncommon symptoms.

These include:
  • bleeding that doesn't stop
  • inflamed or swollen gums
  • loss of the blood clot at the extraction site
  • pain that lasts longer than a week.
 
It’s not uncommon for patients to request an extraction even when the tooth might still be treatable. However, we always recommend attempting to save the tooth first, as every tooth serves a purpose. Only when it's no longer possible to preserve it do we proceed with extraction, and it’s essential to replace the missing tooth afterward.
 
Teeth can be replaced with dental implants or a dental bridge. In certain cases, it's even possible to place an implant immediately after the tooth is removed.
 
These solutions are what patients commonly refer to as “artificial teeth”.
 

Common questions about recovery after tooth extraction

Gum healing after tooth extraction goes through several stages. The first and most sensitive phase takes place within the first 24 to 48 hours, during which a blood clot forms in the socket to protect the underlying bone and nerve endings.
 
This clot should not be rinsed away, touched, or disturbed, as it is essential for proper healing.

Over the following week, the gum tissue begins to close the wound, and pain and swelling gradually subside.
 
In most cases, the surface layer of the gum heals within 7 to 10 days. However, deeper regeneration - especially the stabilization of the bone - can take several weeks to months, depending on the size of the wound, the patient’s overall health, and whether complications arise.
 
If you experience intense pain, a bad smell from the socket, throbbing, or if the gums don’t seem to be healing properly, contact your dentist right away. These may be signs of a complication such as dry socket.
 
Maintaining proper oral hygiene, avoiding smoking, and following dietary guidelines after the procedure all contribute to smooth and timely gum healing.

After a tooth extraction, it is recommended to eat soft, cool, or lukewarm foods. Chew on the opposite side of the extraction site.

Recommended foods include room-temperature soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, eggs, cooked vegetables, smoothies, and soft fruits.

Avoid hot, spicy, hard, or crunchy foods (such as chips, nuts, or seeds), as well as alcohol and carbonated drinks, since they can slow down healing and irritate the wound.

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