Printable aftercare sheet
Tooth Extraction Aftercare — Day-by-Day Instructions
One rule rules them all: protect the blood clot in the socket for 48 hours. Everything below is that rule wearing different clothes.
First hour
- Bite gently but firmly on the gauze for 30–45 minutes so the clot forms
- Replace gauze if soaked; don't keep lifting it to check
First 24 hours
- No spitting, no forceful rinsing, no straws — suction dislodges the clot
- No smoking — the single biggest dry-socket risk
- Ice packs: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off
- Liquids and very soft food only; nothing hot
- Rest; sleep with your head elevated on an extra pillow
Days 2–3
- Start gentle warm salt-water rinses after meals — tilt and let it fall out
- Swelling peaks at 48 hours then improves; cheeks look worst on day two
- Soft foods: yogurt, applesauce, khichdi, mashed potatoes, well-cooked dal
- Brush other teeth normally; stay clear of the socket
Days 4–7
- Pain should be steadily easing; most people are back to normal routines
- Rebuild firmer foods gradually — comfort is the guide
- Keep hard, crunchy and spicy foods off the socket a few more days
- If you had stitches, follow the removal/dissolving instructions on your slip
Call us promptly if you notice
- Throbbing pain that STARTS 2–4 days after extraction, often with a bad taste — classic dry socket, very treatable, call promptly
- Bleeding that won't slow with gauze pressure
- Fever, spreading swelling, or difficulty swallowing (urgent)
- Numbness persisting beyond the anesthesia wearing off
FF-109, PNTC Building, Times of India Press Rd, Vejalpur (Prahladnagar), Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380051, India
These are general instructions — anything specific we told you at your appointment takes precedence. Medically reviewed by Dr. Vernica Agarwala.
Questions during recovery?
A quick message beats a worried night — we answer aftercare questions round the clock for surgical patients.
Or call us directly: +91 81411 96667