Tooth Removal Home Care Instructions

• Fill any prescribed medications before your appointment.
• If prescribed antibiotics, start them 1 day before the procedure (if instructed).
• For pain, you may be advised to take 600 mg ibuprofen (Advil) together with 2 Extra Strength Tylenol, following your dentist’s instructions and the medication labels.

• Light bleeding or oozing for 1–2 days is normal.
• Use gauze only if bleeding is heavy.
• Avoid changing gauze frequently, as this can increase bleeding.
• Do not sleep with gauze in your mouth.

• Do not rinse your mouth
• Do not brush near the extraction site.
• Do not smoke, spit forcefully, or drink alcohol.

• Rinse gently 3 times a day with:
  • 1 glass of warm water mixed with 1 tsp warm salt
• Continue for at least 1 week.
• If you were given a syringe, gently flush lower extraction sockets with salt water.
• Brush and floss normally, being careful around the extraction sites.
• Avoid smoking for at least 3 days, as it increases the risk of infection and dry socket.

• Most stitches are dissolvable and do not need to be removed.
• Swelling, bruising, and jaw stiffness are common.
• Swelling usually peaks around day 3 after surgery (this is when you might feel your worst).
• Apply an ice pack to your jaw: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off (during the first 24 hours).
• Difficulty opening your mouth is common, especially after wisdom tooth removal.
• After 24 hours, use: Warm, moist heat on the jaw with gentle jaw stretching exercises.

• Eat soft, lukewarm foods for several days.
• Avoid foods with small seeds or crunchy pieces that can get stuck in the extraction site.
• Drink plenty of fluids for the first 3 days.
• Avoid using straws unless your dentist says they’re okay, as suction can increase the risk of dry socket.

• If instructed, keep dentures in place for 3 days, removing them only to clean your mouth and the dentures.
• Brush dentures daily with a soft toothbrush

• Heavy bleeding that doesn’t slow down with pressure.
• Increasing swelling after 3–4 days instead of improvement.
• Fever, pus, or worsening pain.
• Severe pain beginning a few days after the extraction (which may indicate a dry socket).
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing.

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