A little care in the first 24 hours goes a long way. Follow these instructions to heal comfortably and steer clear of complications like dry socket.
Call us right away if...
You have heavy bleeding that won't slow after 1–2 hours of firm pressure, severe or worsening pain after day 3, a fever, swelling that keeps growing, or any trouble breathing or swallowing. Call (252) 555-0147 — we're here to help.
The first 24 hours
- Bite on the gauzeKeep firm, steady pressure on the gauze pad for 30–45 minutes. Replace it if it soaks through. A little oozing and pink saliva is normal for the first day.
- Rest and elevateTake it easy for the rest of the day and keep your head propped up with an extra pillow. Skip strenuous activity, heavy lifting and exercise for 2–3 days.
- Ice the areaApply an ice pack to your cheek for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off, during the first day to limit swelling.
- Protect the clotA blood clot forms in the socket and is essential for healing. Do not disturb it (see "Avoid" below) — protecting it is the single most important thing you can do.
Do & Don't while you heal
Do
- Eat soft, cool foods: yogurt, smoothies (with a spoon), eggs, mashed potatoes, soup that isn't hot.
- Stay hydrated with water.
- Gently rinse with warm salt water (1/2 tsp salt in a cup of water) 3–4 times a day, starting the day after surgery.
- Take any medication exactly as directed and finish prescribed antibiotics.
- Keep brushing your other teeth, gently avoiding the surgical site.
Avoid
- No drinking straws for at least 5–7 days — the suction can dislodge the clot.
- No smoking or vaping — it dramatically raises your risk of dry socket and slows healing.
- No spitting, rinsing forcefully or swishing hard for the first 24 hours.
- No hot, crunchy, spicy or chewy foods near the site.
- No alcohol or carbonated drinks while healing or while taking pain medication.
- Don't poke the area with your tongue or fingers.
Managing discomfort & swelling
Some soreness, swelling and mild bruising are normal and usually peak around day 2–3, then steadily improve. Take pain medication as directed by Dr. Mike Billfish before the numbness fully wears off so you stay ahead of any discomfort. After the first 24–48 hours, switching from ice to gentle warmth can ease lingering stiffness.
What is dry socket?
Dry socket happens when the protective clot is lost too early, exposing bone and nerves. It typically shows up as a throbbing ache 3–5 days after extraction, sometimes with a bad taste. It's very preventable by avoiding straws, smoking and vigorous rinsing — and very treatable, so call us if you suspect it.
Getting back to normal
Most people feel substantially better within 3–4 days and return to soft-normal eating within a week. Full gum healing continues over the following weeks. If we placed stitches, we'll let you know whether they dissolve on their own or need to be removed. When in doubt about anything during recovery, call us — we would always rather hear from you.