Aftercare card
After a tooth extraction
What to do in the first 24 hours after a tooth is removed, what to eat, what is normal while it heals and when to call the clinic.
First 24 hours
Do
- Bite firmly on the gauze for 30–45 minutes.
- Hold a cold pack on the cheek, 10 minutes on and 10 off.
- Eat soft, cool food once the numbness wears off.
- Sleep with your head raised on an extra pillow.
Avoid
- Spitting, rinsing or drinking through a straw, which can dislodge the clot.
- Hot drinks, smoking and alcohol.
- Touching the socket with your tongue or fingers.
Days 2–3
Do
- Rinse gently with warm salt water after meals.
- Brush your other teeth normally; brush near the socket gently.
- Keep taking the pain relief you were advised.
Avoid
- Hard, crunchy or spicy food on that side.
- Smoking or tobacco of any kind.
Days 4–7
Do
- Return to normal food as comfort allows.
- Keep the review visit if one was booked.
- Stitches, if any, dissolve or are removed at about one week.
Avoid
- Heavy exercise for the first 2–3 days.
Normal while it heals
- Slight oozing or pink saliva for the first day
- Swelling that peaks at 48–72 hours, then settles
- Mild jaw stiffness after a wisdom tooth
- A white or yellow layer in the socket while it heals
Call the clinic if
- Bleeding that does not stop after 30 minutes of firm pressure on gauze
- Pain that gets worse after day 3 instead of better
- Fever, a bad taste or pus from the socket
- Numbness of the lip or tongue that lasts beyond the day of surgery
- Swelling with difficulty swallowing or breathing: go to a hospital now
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