A tooth was removed surgically today, often including stitches. Healing takes a couple of weeks, and what you do in the first 24–48 hours has the biggest impact on how comfortably you recover.
Quick reference
- Bite firmly on the gauze for 30–45 minutes. Replace if needed. A pink-tinged saliva for a day is normal — heavy bleeding is not.
- DO NOT rinse, spit, suck through a straw, or smoke for at least 24 hours. These can dislodge the healing clot and cause a painful 'dry socket.'
- Use a cold pack on the outside of your face — 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off — for the first day to limit swelling.
- Sleep with your head slightly elevated for the first night or two.
- From day 2: gentle warm salt-water rinses (½ tsp salt in a cup of warm water) 3–4 times a day, especially after eating.
- Soft, lukewarm foods only for the first 24–48 hours. Avoid anything hot, crunchy, or spicy until the area calms down.
- Brush your other teeth normally; keep the brush away from the surgical site for the first day.
Call us if you have concerns. Call us at 519-944-5757 right away if you have heavy bleeding that won't slow down, severe throbbing pain starting 2–4 days after surgery, increasing swelling, or a fever.
