Proper care after a tooth extraction is essential for healing and to prevent complications such as dry socket or infection. Dr. Huggins and her team provide detailed instructions, but here are key steps to follow:
Bite gently on gauze: Keep firm pressure on the gauze for 30–45 minutes to help stop bleeding. Replace gauze as needed.
Avoid rinsing or spitting: For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing your mouth or spitting forcefully, as this can dislodge the blood clot.
Rest and elevate: Limit physical activity and keep your head elevated when resting to reduce bleeding and swelling.
Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications as directed.
Apply a cold compress to the outside of your face for 10–15 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours to minimize swelling.
Stick to soft foods for the first few days, avoiding hard, crunchy, or hot foods that could irritate the extraction site.
Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid using straws, as suction can disturb the healing clot.
Resume gentle brushing, avoiding the extraction site for the first day.
After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean and aid healing.
Watch for any signs of complications, such as persistent bleeding, severe pain, swelling, or fever. Contact the office if you notice these symptoms.
Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.
With proper care, most extraction sites heal quickly, allowing you to return to normal eating and oral hygiene routines safely.
© 2025 Joy Huggins, DDS | Unofficial Corp.
