No spitting or gargling, no straws when drinking liquids, do not touch the extraction site with your tongue for 24 hours after extraction. Take the medicines as prescribed by your dentist.

Do not smoke for at least 3 days after your extraction. Soft foods only for a few days after the extraction, avoid hot and spicy foods. Cold foods such as ice cream is recommended after the gauze/cotton plug placed at the site of extraction is removed in an hour.

If you’re taking a blood thinner, your physician may recommend stopping it a few days before & after the extraction.

The healing time can vary depending on which tooth was pulled and the size or condition of it, a small tooth in the front has a smaller socket than a molar does. Smoking & tobacco chewing can cause complications after surgery affecting the tissue health & bone structure.

The initial healing period in which the tissue will start to close up & heal, generally lasts about 1 to 2 weeks. At 8 to 10 weeks, about two-thirds of the bone should be restored in the area. At four months, the socket should be fully restored with new bone.

It’s also important to keep your mouth & the extraction site free from food particles or debris for proper healing.

Follow your dentist’s instructions, as most extraction sites heal just fine without further treatment, but occasionally, there can be complications.

If you experience any of these symptoms, 1. Pain & discomfort beyond the first few days of healing 2. Severe swelling beyond 48 hours after the extraction. 3. Nausea or vomiting, fever in the face, neck, or body 4. Bleeding excessively, mouth filled with blood; then reach out to your dentist and get the area checked.

The biggest risk after an extraction is development of an infection and/or a dry socket that will prevent proper healing if left untreated. In that case, consult your dentist immediately.