Tooth extractions are sometimes necessary to protect your oral health, whether due to severe decay, infection, or impacted wisdom teeth. While the procedure itself is straightforward, your aftercare routine plays a big role in how quickly and comfortably you heal.

At Towson Dental Group, we want to make sure you have the right information to recover without complications. Here are some essential tips:

1. Keep the Blood Clot Intact

After an extraction, a blood clot forms in the empty socket to protect the bone and nerves as they heal. If this clot becomes dislodged, it can lead to a painful condition called dry socket.

How to Protect It:

Avoid drinking through straws for at least 48 hours.

Don’t smoke or use tobacco products during healing.

Skip vigorous rinsing or spitting for the first day.

2. Manage Pain and Swelling

Mild discomfort and swelling are normal after an extraction, but there are ways to ease it.

What Helps:

Take any prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication as directed.

Apply an ice pack to your cheek in 15-minute intervals during the first 24 hours.

After the first day, switch to warm compresses if needed.

3. Stick to Soft Foods

Chewing hard or crunchy foods too soon can irritate the extraction site and delay healing.

Best Choices for the First Few Days:

Yogurt, applesauce, smoothies

Mashed potatoes, oatmeal, scrambled eggs

Soft pasta or soups (not too hot)

4. Keep Your Mouth Clean—Gently

Good oral hygiene prevents infection, but brushing too aggressively near the extraction site can cause problems.

How to Clean Safely:

Continue brushing and flossing other teeth as usual.

After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt in 8 oz of water) several times a day.

5. Watch for Warning Signs

Some discomfort is normal, but certain symptoms may indicate complications.

Call us right away if you experience:

Severe pain after the first few days

Persistent bleeding

Signs of infection (fever, swelling that worsens, foul taste)

Schedule Your Follow-Up at Towson Dental Group

Healing after an extraction is easier when you follow these tips and keep in touch with your dentist. At Towson Dental Group, we’re here to ensure your recovery goes smoothly.

📞 Call us at (410) 823-0044

📧 Email: TowsonDentalGroup@gmail.com

📍 Serving Towson and surrounding Baltimore communities