Post-Extraction Care & Healing Support

What to expect, how to heal comfortably, and when to call us

This page is designed to support your healing after a tooth extraction.
It reinforces the instructions you received in our office and answers common questions patients have once they’re home.
If anything feels concerning or unclear, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

During the First 24 Hours

The first 24 hours after your extraction are focused on protecting the blood clot that forms in the socket. This clot is essential for stopping bleeding, reducing pain, and allowing proper healing to begin. During this time, avoid anything that could disturb the area, including vigorous rinsing, spitting, sucking through a straw, or smoking. Rest, keep physical activity light, and use ice as directed to help control swelling. Taking pain medication before the numbness fully wears off can also help keep discomfort manageable.

Nutrition to Support Healing

Nutrition plays an important role in supporting healing after a tooth extraction. During the first few days, focus on soft foods that are easy to chew and gentle on the surgical area. Protein-rich foods help support tissue repair, while staying well hydrated supports circulation and normal healing. Avoid very hot, crunchy, spicy, or sharp foods early on, as these can irritate the area or interfere with healing. As comfort improves, you may gradually return to your normal diet, chewing away from the extraction site as recommended.

Good Food Choices During Healing

Soft protein sources

  • Scrambled eggs

  • Soft-boiled eggs

  • Greek yogurt

  • Cottage cheese

  • Protein shakes (drink without a straw)

  • Yogurt-based smoothies (no straw)

  • Soft baked fish

  • Poached fish

  • Tofu

  • Soft ricotta cheese

Soft, nourishing foods

  • Mashed potatoes

  • Mashed sweet potatoes

  • Applesauce

  • Oatmeal (lukewarm, not hot)

  • Cream of wheat (lukewarm)

  • Yogurt

  • Pudding

  • Soft pasta (well-cooked)

  • Macaroni and cheese (soft, not hot)

  • Soft rice or risotto

Soups & liquids

  • Bone broth (warm, not hot)

  • Chicken broth (warm, not hot)

  • Vegetable broth (warm)

  • Cream of chicken soup (blended if needed)

  • Cream of potato soup

  • Tomato soup (lukewarm)

  • Lentil soup (blended)

  • Butternut squash soup

  • Miso soup (not hot)

  • Smooth blended vegetable soups

Well-cooked vegetables

  • Mashed avocado

  • Well-cooked carrots

  • Well-cooked squash

  • Well-cooked zucchini

  • Mashed cauliflower

  • Mashed pumpkin

  • Well-cooked spinach

  • Well-cooked green beans

  • Refried beans

  • Soft lentils

Hydration

  • Water

  • Electrolyte drinks (non-carbonated)

  • Milk

  • Almond milk

  • Oat milk

  • Soy milk

  • Coconut water (non-carbonated)

  • Diluted fruit juice

  • Herbal tea (lukewarm)

  • Smooth soups used as hydration

Avoid crunchy, hard, spicy, or sharp foods until the area has healed and chewing feels comfortable.

Pain and Swelling Are Part of Normal Healing

Pain and swelling are a normal part of the healing process after a tooth extraction. It is common to experience soreness, tenderness, and aching in the area as the body repairs the bone and surrounding tissues. Swelling often increases during the first few days and then gradually improves, but mild discomfort or intermittent aches can persist for several weeks while deeper healing continues. As the bone heals, it naturally shrinks and reshapes, which can sometimes cause changes in sensation. In some cases, small bone fragments may work their way to the surface even weeks or months later—this is a normal part of bone healing and usually resolves on its own.

When to Call Us

Please contact our office if you experience any of the following:

  • Bleeding that is heavy or does not improve after the first 24 hours

  • Pain that worsens after several days instead of gradually improving

  • Swelling that continues to increase after the first few days or is associated with warmth or firmness

  • A persistent bad taste or odor along with increasing pain

  • Fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell

  • Difficulty opening your mouth that is not slowly improving

  • Any symptoms that feel unusual or concerning to you

If you are ever unsure whether something is normal, we encourage you to call. We would much rather answer a question early than have you worry at home.