Post-Operative Instructions After Tooth Extraction

Dental Implant

Bleeding control

pain management

Avoid Smoking or Vaping

Care for sutures

Pointers to remember

signs to watch out for

Bleeding Control benefits of Dental Implant ?

Bite firmly on the cotton or gauze piece placed over the extraction site for 30 minutes.
If bleeding continues, replace the cotton or gauze with a fresh one and bite down again.
Slight oozing is normal for the first 24 hours. Do not Panic. Few drops of blood mixed with your saliva may feel like a lot but it is just your saliva tinted by very little blood, please swallow it.
DO NOT spit, gargle or rinse for the first 24-48 hours to prevent dislodging the blood clot.
Do not use a straw or do any pranayama exercises

Pain & Management

Pain and discomfort is normal.
Take medicines prescribed by the doctor.
Avoid aspirin as it can increase bleeding.

Swelling

Swelling and bruising may occur. Use a cold compress on the cheek externally near the area:
- 15–20 minutes on, 15–20 minutes off
- Use for the first 24–48 hours
Swelling may start the day after the extraction and may increase for the first 2-3days. It should start to reduce from the 4th day onwards

Diet

Stick to soft foods and cold or room-temperature soft food for the first 24-48 hours (e.g curd rice, dal rice, idli etc).
Avoid hot, spicy or hard foods, alcohol, carbonated beverages.
Avoid chewing on the extraction site.
Gradually return to a normal diet as tolerated after 1-2days.

Oral Hygiene

Do not brush near the extraction site on the day of surgery.
From the next day, gently brush in the area. Do not rinse and gargle forcefully. Very gently rinse and release the water from your mouth, do not spit for 2-3days.
Resume brushing and flossing, avoiding the surgical area for a few days.

Physical Activity

Limit physical activity for the first 24–48 hours.
Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or bending over, as these can increase bleeding and swelling.
Avoid breathing exercises e.g., pranayama

Avoid Smoking or Vaping

Do not smoke or vape for at least 3-5days after the extraction.
Smoking delays healing and increases the risk of dry socket (a painful condition caused by dislodging the blood clot).

Care for sutures

Sutures will be removed after 7-10days by your dentist. Suture removal is not a painful procedure.
Resorbable sutures take upto 6 weeks to resorb. In the meanwhile you have to be very careful not to contaminate the sutures with food particles and keep the surgical site clean.
Sutures will start to get loose
If the resorbable sutures cause any discomfort , please contact your dentist.

Points to remember

Points to remember
- Do not stiffen your jaws , smile and talk as normal. Keeping the area immobile and stiff/tight may cause the muscles to go into spasm and cause difficulty in opening the mouth.
- A whitish color discoloration on your surgical site a few days after extraction is normal and does not necessarily mean infection.

Signs to Watch For

Call your dentist or oral surgeon if you experience:
- Excessive bleeding that won’t stop even after 24 hours
- Fever, chills, or pus discharge from the site
- Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing

Faq

How long does it take for the hole to close after tooth extraction?

Gums will heal in 15 days approximately so the wound will close but the underlying bone takes upto 6 months to fill

How can I make my tooth extraction heal faster?

Follow instructions given by your dentist diligently

How many rest days after tooth extraction?

Depends from patient to patient, their pain threshold, how complicated the extraction itself was, how impacted the tooth was in the bone etc. There are patients who go to work immediately after getting the extractions done as well

Can I eat 3 hours after tooth extraction?

Yes ofcourse

Does the jawbone regrow after tooth extraction?

Yes , takes upto 6months

How do I know if my tooth extraction is healing properly?

Signs of Normal Healing

1. Blood Clot Formation (First 24 hours)

A dark red clot forms in the socket. This is crucial for healing.

Minor bleeding and oozing for a few hours is normal.

2. Swelling and Tenderness (Days 1–3)

Swelling increases for 3-4 days, then begins to subside.

The area will be tender but should gradually improve.

3. Reduction in Pain (Days 3–5)

Pain should steadily decrease.

You may still feel discomfort, but it shouldn’t be sharp or worsening.

4. Formation of Granulation Tissue (Week 1)

A white or yellowish layer may appear in the socket—this is not pus, but healthy tissue forming.

The site may still be sensitive but is no longer very painful.

5. Gum Closure (Week 2 and onward)

Gums begin to grow over the socket.

The area becomes less noticeable and pain-free.

Tooth Extraction

In conclusion, tooth extraction is a safe and effective procedure designed to alleviate pain, prevent further oral complications, and support your overall dental health. Whether it’s due to decay, damage, or overcrowding, our skilled dental team ensures a comfortable and stress-free experience with personalized care every step of the way. Aftercare is crucial for a smooth recovery, and we’re here to guide you throughout the healing process. If you’re experiencing discomfort or think you may need an extraction, don’t hesitate to reach out — your comfort and oral well-being are our top priorities.

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