After Your Extraction
Recovery instructions to help you heal quickly and comfortably after a tooth extraction at Compass Dental Care.
Bleeding
Gauze Pressure
Bite firmly on the gauze pad for 30–45 minutes after the procedure. Some bleeding is normal for the first 24 hours.
Tea Bag Trick
If bleeding continues, bite on a damp tea bag for 30 minutes. The tannic acid helps with clotting.
Avoid Disturbing
No spitting, sucking through straws, or rinsing vigorously for the first 24 hours — this can dislodge the blood clot.
Swelling
Ice Packs
Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek — 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off — for the first 24 hours.
Peak at 48–72 Hours
Swelling is normal and usually peaks at 48–72 hours. It should start to go down after 3 days.
Sleep Elevated
Keep your head elevated with an extra pillow when sleeping for the first few nights to help reduce swelling.
Pain Management
Pain Relief
Over-the-counter ibuprofen (Nurofen) or paracetamol (Panadol) usually helps. Take the first dose before the numbness wears off.
Avoid Aspirin
Do not take aspirin as it can increase bleeding. Stick to ibuprofen or paracetamol as directed by your dentist.
Alternate for Best Relief
You can alternate between ibuprofen and paracetamol every 2–3 hours for better pain control. Take as directed on the packaging.
Diet
Soft Foods
Stick to soft foods for 24–48 hours: yoghurt, soup, mashed potato, smoothies. Chew on the opposite side.
Avoid Hot Foods
Avoid hot foods and drinks until the numbness wears off. Stay hydrated — drink plenty of water.
No Crunchy or Spicy Foods
Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods near the extraction site for about a week. These can irritate the wound or dislodge the blood clot.
What to Avoid
No Smoking
No smoking for at least 48 hours (ideally longer). Smoking significantly increases the risk of dry socket.
No Alcohol
No alcohol for 24 hours. Avoid vigorous exercise for 24 hours. Don’t touch the extraction site with your tongue or fingers.
Rest Up
Take it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid bending over or heavy lifting — increased blood pressure can restart bleeding.
Cleaning
First 24 Hours
Do not rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. Continue brushing your other teeth as normal, but avoid the extraction area.
After 24 Hours
Gently rinse with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) 3–4 times a day, especially after meals.
Keep Brushing
Continue brushing your other teeth as normal to keep your mouth clean. Just be gentle and avoid the extraction area for a few days.
Dry Socket Warning Signs
Throbbing Pain
Severe, throbbing pain starting 2–4 days after extraction that radiates to your ear, eye, or temple on the same side.
Bad Taste or Breath
Bad taste in your mouth, bad breath, or visible bone in the socket (the blood clot has been lost).
Contact Us
If you experience these symptoms, contact the practice immediately. Dry socket is treatable and we can help relieve the pain quickly.
When to Call Us
• Bleeding that doesn’t stop after 2 hours of firm pressure
• Severe pain not controlled by pain medication
• Fever or chills
• Significant swelling that gets worse after 3 days
• Numbness that hasn’t worn off after 6 hours
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
Common Questions After an Extraction
How long will the bleeding last?
Some oozing is normal for the first 24 hours. Steady bleeding should stop within 2–4 hours with firm gauze pressure. If it continues beyond that, try biting on a damp tea bag for 30 minutes — the tannic acid helps with clotting. Contact us if bleeding persists despite these measures.
When can I eat normally again?
Stick to soft foods like yoghurt, soup, mashed potato, and smoothies for the first 24–48 hours, and chew on the opposite side. You can gradually return to your normal diet as comfort allows, but avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods near the extraction site for about a week to prevent irritating the wound.
How long does the hole take to close?
The gum tissue typically closes over the extraction site within 1–2 weeks, though it may take several months for the bone underneath to fully remodel. You may notice a small indentation in the gum for a while — this is completely normal and will gradually fill in over time.
Can I smoke after an extraction?
You should avoid smoking for at least 48 hours, though longer is better. Smoking significantly increases the risk of dry socket by disrupting the blood clot and restricting blood flow to the healing site. The suction motion of smoking can also dislodge the clot directly.
When can I exercise again?
Avoid vigorous exercise for at least 24 hours after the extraction. Increased blood pressure from physical activity can restart bleeding and worsen swelling. Light walking is fine from day one, and you can gradually return to your normal routine after a couple of days if you feel up to it.
What’s the white stuff in the socket?
A white or cream-coloured material in the socket is usually granulation tissue, which is a normal and healthy part of the healing process. It forms as the blood clot is replaced by new tissue. Do not try to remove it — it means your body is healing properly.
Can I drink alcohol after an extraction?
Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours after the extraction. Alcohol can thin your blood, increase bleeding, and interfere with pain medication. If you were prescribed antibiotics, check with your dentist as alcohol may interact with certain antibiotics.
When should I start saltwater rinses?
Wait until 24 hours after the extraction before rinsing. Then gently rinse with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) 3–4 times a day, especially after meals. Let the water flow gently over the site rather than swishing vigorously, as this could dislodge the blood clot.
How do I know if I have dry socket?
Dry socket typically develops 2–4 days after the extraction and causes severe, throbbing pain that may radiate to your ear, eye, or temple on the same side. You may also notice a bad taste, bad breath, or see visible bone in the socket where the blood clot should be. If you suspect dry socket, contact us right away — it is very treatable and we can relieve the pain quickly.
Is it normal for my other teeth to feel sore?
Yes, neighbouring teeth can feel tender or slightly achy for a few days after an extraction. This is usually referred pain from the extraction site or mild inflammation in the surrounding area. It should settle within a week. If the soreness worsens or affects a specific tooth, contact us for a check.
When can I use a straw?
Avoid using straws for at least 48 hours after the extraction. The suction created when using a straw can dislodge the blood clot from the socket, which leads to dry socket. After 48 hours, you can cautiously try a straw, but gentle sipping from a glass is safer during the first week of healing.
Questions About Your Recovery?
If something doesn’t feel right, give us a call. We’re here to help.
