After a tooth extraction, a blood clot forms in the socket and helps protect the healing tissues. Looking after that clot, keeping your mouth clean and following your dental team’s instructions are the main priorities. Your own aftercare plan takes account of the tooth removed, your health and the treatment you had.
The first 24 hours
Rest after the procedure and avoid strenuous exercise. Do not rinse vigorously, spit, use a straw or poke the socket with your tongue or fingers, as these can disturb the clot.
While your mouth is numb, avoid chewing and hot food or drinks so you do not bite or burn yourself. Choose soft foods once it is safe to eat and chew away from the wound. Avoid smoking or vaping and follow your dentist’s advice about alcohol.
What to do about bleeding
A little blood in your saliva or slight oozing can occur after extraction. If the socket is actively bleeding, place the clean gauze supplied by your dentist over it and bite down firmly for the time your dental team advises. Stay seated and avoid repeatedly lifting the gauze to check.
Contact your dentist urgently if bleeding remains heavy or does not stop despite firm pressure. Do not stop prescribed blood-thinning medicines unless the clinician responsible for them tells you to.
From the next day onwards
After the first 24 hours, gentle warm salt-water rinses may be advised, particularly after meals. Follow your dentist’s instructions and avoid forceful swishing.
Keep brushing your other teeth, taking care around the socket. Continue with soft foods while chewing is uncomfortable and gradually return to your usual diet as you recover. Take any prescribed medicines as directed. Ask your dentist or pharmacist which pain relief is suitable for you.
Healing and when to get help
The recovery time varies. Soreness and swelling are common after surgery, but should start to improve after the initial days. Multiple extractions or a more complex procedure may need a different plan and a review appointment.
Contact your dentist for severe or increasing pain, fever, worsening swelling, a bad taste with other symptoms or ongoing bleeding. Pain that becomes much worse several days after extraction may be dry socket and needs assessment.
Breathing or swallowing difficulty, or rapidly spreading swelling of the mouth or neck, needs emergency medical help. Call 112 or 999.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about recovery after a tooth extraction.
Why is the blood clot important?
It protects the tissues in the socket during early healing. Avoid disturbing it by poking the wound, using straws or rinsing and spitting forcefully.
When can I rinse my mouth?
Usually not during the first 24 hours. After that, your dentist may advise gentle warm salt-water rinses. Follow the instructions you were given.
What can I eat after an extraction?
Choose soft foods and avoid very hot food or drinks. Do not chew while your mouth is numb. Eat away from the wound and return to your normal diet as comfort allows.
What if the socket keeps bleeding?
Apply firm pressure with the gauze your dentist supplied, following their instructions. Get urgent dental advice if bleeding remains heavy or does not stop.
What is dry socket?
It is a painful complication when the socket’s protective clot is lost or breaks down. Increasing pain a few days after extraction should be checked by your dentist.
Is aftercare different for several extractions?
It can be. Follow your individual instructions about cleaning, food, medicines and follow-up. If you had sedation or a general anaesthetic, follow the separate recovery and escort advice too.
Further reading: Dental surgery and recovery (Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS) and Having teeth removed (NHS England).
Questions about your recovery?
Contact our team on 01 455 1866 if you are concerned. Read about our tooth extraction and emergency dental care.