Dentist in Mint Hill, NC
Bite firmly on the gauze we placed for 30–45 minutes to help a clot form. If bleeding or oozing continues, place a fresh gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes — you may need to repeat this a few times. If you run out of gauze, a moistened tea bag works as a substitute; bite down firmly on it for 30 minutes.
Pink or blood-tinged saliva is normal for 2–3 days after surgery and is not a cause for concern.
Rest and keep your head slightly elevated. Limit vigorous exercise for the first 24–48 hours. Raising your heart rate and blood pressure too soon can restart bleeding at the extraction site.
Do not rinse forcefully, spit, drink through a straw, or smoke. The suction these create can dislodge the clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket.
The blood clot in the socket is essential to healing. For the first full week:
Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for the first 24 hours, in 20-minutes-on / 20-minutes-off intervals.
After the first 24 hours, switch from ice to warm moist heat compresses. This helps relieve any remaining swelling and eases muscle discomfort.
Some swelling and mild bruising can peak around two to three days after the extraction, then steadily improve.
It’s normal to have mild to moderate discomfort after an extraction. Try to take pain medication before the numbness fully wears off, rather than waiting until it hurts.
Our doctors recommend 600mg of ibuprofen (3 over-the-counter tablets) every 6 hours for the first 3 days. Ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve) both help control pain and reduce swelling. If that isn’t providing enough relief, you can alternate with 500mg of extra-strength Tylenol.
Stick to soft, cool foods for the first day, such as yogurt, applesauce, cottage cheese, ice cream, and smoothies eaten with a spoon (not a straw) all work well. Soup and mashed potatoes are fine too, as long as they’ve cooled to room temperature.
Avoid nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, and chips. These can easily get lodged in the socket. Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods while the area heals, and focus on drinking plenty of fluids.
Chew on the opposite side of your mouth and gradually return to normal foods as comfort allows.
Beginning the day after your extraction, gently rinse with warm salt water several times a day, especially after meals, to keep the socket clean.
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush to gently brush your teeth, including the extraction site, morning and night. Gentle brushing of the area (not avoidance of it) speeds healing and keeps your mouth fresh.
Once a tooth is lost, the jawbone that supported it can begin to shrink, and nearby teeth may shift into the open space. You might notice a change in appearance or difficulty chewing.
When you’re ready to replace your missing tooth so you can smile, chew, and speak normally again, Mint Hill Smiles is here to help. We offer several replacement options, including dental implants, bridges, and dentures. Our doctors can help you decide which is the best fit for you.
Stick to soft, cool foods for the first day, like yogurt, applesauce, cottage cheese, and ice cream. Soup and room-temperature mashed potatoes work well too. Avoid nuts, sunflower seeds, popcorn, and chips, and skip straws. Return to normal foods gradually as you heal.