After-Care for Tooth Extractions & Wisdom Tooth Extractions

When Should I Stop Using Gauze After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Your dentist will place a piece of gauze over the extraction site to help slow bleeding and allow a clot to form. You should gently bite down and keep this gauze in place for 30 to 60 minutes after the procedure. If bleeding continues after that time, you can replace the gauze with a fresh piece and continue to bite down gently. Once the bleeding slows significantly or stops altogether, you can stop using gauze. Avoid checking the site too frequently—disrupting the clot can delay healing.

What to Eat After Wisdom Teeth Extraction

You’ll want to wait a couple of hours after your extraction, until the anesthesia wears off,  before attempting to eat anything. During the first 24 hours, stick to soft, cool foods such as yogurt, applesauce, pudding, or mashed potatoes. Avoid anything hot, spicy, crunchy, or hard, as these can irritate the healing site. Try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth and steer clear of the extraction area. Over the next few days, you can gradually reintroduce more solid foods as long as you're healing comfortably.

When Can I Smoke After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Smoking significantly increases your risk of developing dry socket, a painful condition caused by a dislodged clot. Ideally, you should avoid smoking for at least a full week after your wisdom tooth extraction. If you smoke within the first few days, the suction and heat from cigarettes can disrupt the healing process and cause complications. The longer you can wait, the better your chances of smooth recovery.

When Can I Drink Alcohol After Wisdom Tooth Extraction?

Avoid drinking alcohol for at least 72 hours after your procedure. Alcohol can interfere with blood clot formation, increase bleeding, and interact negatively with pain medication. Even once you're off medication, it’s best to wait until the extraction site is well on its way to healing before resuming alcohol consumption. During recovery, opt for water or electrolyte-rich drinks to stay hydrated and support healing.

Can Tooth Extractions Cause Dry Socket?

Yes, dry socket is a potential complication, especially with wisdom teeth. It occurs when the blood clot that protects the bone and nerves at the extraction site becomes dislodged. This leaves the area exposed, causing significant pain. To avoid dry socket, do not use a straw, spit forcefully, or rinse your mouth vigorously in the first 24 hours. If you experience increasing pain a few days after your extraction, call our office—it could be a sign of dry socket.

What Pain Relief Options Are Available?

It’s common to experience mild to moderate discomfort following a tooth extraction. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) are often effective. If your dentist has prescribed medication, follow the instructions closely. To help with swelling, you can apply an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for 20 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours.

How Should I Care for the Extraction Site?

Be gentle when cleaning your mouth in the days after your procedure. Do not brush the extraction site directly for the first 24 hours. After that, you can begin rinsing gently with warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water), but do not swish. Instead, tilt your head gently side to side and allow the water to fall out naturally. Keep your head elevated while resting and continue eating soft foods for a few days until your healing progresses.

When Should I Call the Office?

If you experience worsening pain, excessive bleeding, or swelling that doesn’t improve after a few days, contact Archer Dental right away. These could be signs of infection or dry socket. It’s always better to check in if something feels off—our team is here to support your recovery at every step.

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