Immediately After Surgical Tooth Extraction (First 24 Hours)
A surgical tooth extraction involves removing a tooth that may be broken, impacted, or difficult to access with a standard extraction technique. Proper post-operative care helps protect the extraction site, supports clot formation, and reduces the risk of complications.
Managing Bleeding
- Bite firmly on the gauze provided for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Mild oozing is normal for up to 24 hours.
- If bleeding continues, place fresh gauze and apply firm pressure for another 30 minutes.
- Avoid spitting or forceful rinsing, which can dislodge the blood clot.
Reducing Swelling
- Apply ice externally (10 minutes on, 10 minutes off) for the first 24 to 48 hours.
- Swelling usually peaks at 48 to 72 hours before improving.
- Mild bruising may appear after 2 to 3 days and is normal.
Rest and Activity
- Rest for the first 24 to 48 hours.
- Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or bending.
- Keep your head elevated when lying down to minimise swelling.
Medications After Surgical Extraction
- Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and complete the full course.
- Begin pain medication before the numbness wears off.
- Anti-inflammatory medication helps control both swelling and discomfort.
- Do not drive while taking strong pain medication.
- Seek urgent medical care if you experience a rash, breathing difficulty, or facial swelling.
Diet After Surgical Tooth Extraction
For the first 3 to 5 days, eat soft, cool or lukewarm foods only.
Recommended foods: yoghurt, mashed vegetables, scrambled eggs, soft pasta, lukewarm soup.
Avoid: hot food or drinks for the first 24 hours, crunchy or hard foods, nuts, chips, seeds, or small grains that may lodge in the socket, and chewing directly over the surgical site. Do not use straws.
Stay well hydrated throughout your recovery.
Oral Hygiene After Surgical Extraction
First 24 Hours
- Do not rinse your mouth.
- Do not brush the surgical site.
After 24 Hours
- Gently rinse with warm salt water (one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) three to four times daily, especially after meals.
- Resume brushing other teeth normally.
- Avoid direct brushing into the extraction area for several days.
Keeping the area clean reduces the risk of post-operative infection.
Sutures After Surgery
- Sutures are often dissolvable and may take 1 to 3 weeks to dissolve on their own.
- If non-dissolvable stitches were placed, a review appointment will be arranged for removal.
- Do not pull on or attempt to remove sutures yourself.
Preventing Dry Socket
Dry socket (alveolar osteitis) occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site is lost prematurely, leaving the bone exposed. To reduce this risk:
- Do not smoke or vape for at least 72 hours, and ideally for 7 days or longer.
- Avoid using straws for at least one week.
- Avoid forceful rinsing or spitting.
- Do not disturb the clot with your tongue or fingers.
What Is Normal During Recovery
- Swelling peaking around Day 2 to 3
- Bruising around the jaw or cheek
- Mild bleeding or oozing for 24 to 48 hours
- Jaw stiffness (trismus) lasting several days
- Gradual improvement in symptoms after Day 3
- Tissue healing progressively over several weeks
When to Contact Your Dentist
- Severe pain that worsens after Day 3
- Heavy bleeding that does not stop with firm gauze pressure
- Fever or chills
- Pus discharge from the extraction site
- A foul smell or taste from the socket
- Persistent numbness beyond 24 hours
If you experience any of these symptoms, contact ArtSmiles on the Gold Coast for prompt assessment and care.