When tooth removal is necessary
Having strong teeth is important, which is why your dentist will make every effort to save them. However, when a tooth is past the point of recovery, removing the tooth is the best option for your oral health.
Preparing for a tooth extraction
Learn what to expect before and during a tooth extraction procedure.
Before your tooth extraction
Before your scheduled tooth extraction, you should:
The day of your tooth extraction (removal)
Your dentist will begin by answering any questions you may have so you can get a better idea of what to expect during the procedure.
Now it’s time for your dentist to apply an anesthetic to numb the tooth being extracted. Once your tooth is numb, your dentist will carefully extract the tooth and place stitches (if needed).
Afterward, they’ll ensure a healthy blood clot is forming and will give you clean gauze to bite on to provide pressure to the area.
As a final step, your dentist will discuss how to manage discomfort after the numbness wears off, along with details for any medications prescribed.
Tooth extraction healing
The first 24 hours: | Day 2: |
| Get plenty of rest and limit physical activity. | Add other foods to your diet as tolerated. |
| Stick to a diet of liquids and soft foods. | Chew on the opposite side of your mouth as the extraction. After a few days, gradually begin to chew on both sides. |
| Do not use a straw, smoke, or suck on candy or lollipops. The sucking motion can disturb the clot that is forming at the extraction site. | Begin cleaning the teeth next to the extracted tooth site. |
| Avoid drinking hot liquids or alcohol or using mouthwash that contains alcohol. | Gently rinse your mouth with saltwater after meals to help keep the healing tooth socket clean. |
| Apply an icepack or cold, damp washcloth to your face to help reduce swelling. | Resist playing with the healing gum, which could disrupt the clot and cause a dry socket. A dry socket can cause severe pain and lead to other complications. |
| Do not brush the teeth near the extraction site but do clean the rest of your teeth as usual. |
When to call your care team after a tooth extraction
Call your Aspen Dental office immediately if you experience any of the following:
✓ Signs of infection, like fever and chills
✓ Bad breath or taste in your mouth
✓ Nausea or vomiting
✓ Severe pain, swelling or bleeding
✓ Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain
✓ Pain that gets worse after the procedure
Tooth extraction FAQs
When can I eat solid food after tooth extraction?
After tooth extraction, we recommend waiting at least 24 to 48 hours before reintroducing solid foods to make sure your mouth has had enough time to heal.
What to eat after tooth extraction?
Post-tooth extraction, it’s best to choose soft foods that are easy to eat. A few great selections are applesauce, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and soup. While your mouth is healing, it’s best to avoid eating anything hard, spicy, or crunchy.
When to stop using gauze after tooth extraction?
Follow your dentist's instructions when it comes to your unique recovery. But typically, you can expect to stop using gauze once the bleeding subsides. This can be a few hours post-extraction.
How long does a tooth extraction take?
Tooth extraction duration varies patient to patient. But it’s safe to say that simple extractions usually take between 20 to 40 minutes, with more complex extractions taking longer.
Why no dairy after tooth extraction?
Avoiding dairy post-tooth extraction reduces the risk of bacterial growth and infection, especially 48 hours post-procedure.
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