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Patient guideTake-home instructions

Pain After an Extraction: Day by Day

Some discomfort is expected after a tooth is removed. Everyone heals at a different rate, and recovery after a surgical or wisdom-tooth extraction may take longer than recovery after a simple extraction.

This timeline is a general guide. Follow the specific instructions given for your procedure, including our separate Preventing Dry Socket instructions.

Dentist pointing out teeth on a panoramic dental X-ray before an extraction.

X-rays help the dentist evaluate the tooth and surrounding structures before an extraction.

The First 24 Hours

  • Your mouth may remain numb for several hours. Wait until the numbness has worn off before chewing, and be careful with hot foods and drinks.
  • Light bleeding or pink saliva is common. Bite on gauze with steady pressure for the amount of time directed by your dentist.
  • Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed. Taking the first dose before the numbness is completely gone may make the transition more comfortable.
  • Rest with your head slightly elevated. An ice pack on the outside of the face can help limit swelling.
  • Protect the blood clot. Avoid forceful rinsing, spitting, straws, smoking and other suction as directed.

Days 2–3

  • Soreness and swelling are often most noticeable during the second or third day. Mild bruising and jaw stiffness can also occur.
  • Continue medication as directed and choose soft foods that are comfortable to chew.
  • After the first 24 hours, gentle warm salt-water rinses may be started if your dentist instructed you to use them.
  • Swelling should begin to level off rather than continue increasing each day.

Days 4–7

  • Pain and swelling should gradually decrease. The area may still feel tender when you chew or open your mouth widely.
  • The socket may look white or yellow as new healing tissue forms. This appearance alone does not mean the area is infected.
  • Continue gentle cleaning and slowly add firmer foods as they become comfortable. Avoid sharp or crunchy foods that can enter the socket.
  • Stitches may begin to loosen or dissolve. Non-dissolving stitches will be removed at the follow-up visit arranged for you.

After the First Week

  • The gum will continue closing over the socket for several weeks. A small opening or occasional mild tenderness can remain during that time.
  • Recovery after lower wisdom-tooth removal or another surgical extraction may take longer. Improvement should still be gradual.

When to Contact Us

Please contact our office if:

  • Bleeding does not slow after steady pressure with gauze.
  • Pain is severe, suddenly becomes worse after initially improving, or is not controlled by the medication plan provided.
  • Swelling continues to increase after the third day or returns after it had begun to improve.
  • You develop fever, pus, a persistent bad taste or a strong foul odor from the area.
  • Numbness lasts longer than you were told to expect.

Seek urgent care for rapidly increasing facial swelling or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

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Beaird Family Dental
Poplar Bluff: (573) 778-0200 · Dexter: (573) 624-8005

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