Aftercare
Aftercare: tooth extraction
First hours
- Remove the cotton after an hour.
- No spitting and no rinsing.
- Apply ice packs intermittently over the face for half an hour.
- Don't apply heat, Iodex, Moov, or similar externally.
- Anaesthesia wears off in 30 minutes to 4 hours, avoid hot foods and don't chew until it does.
First 24 hours
- Take only a cold, soft diet.
- Swelling, mild discomfort, and some difficulty opening the mouth are normal, don't panic.
- Don't lie on the side of the extraction at night.
Recovery
- Start warm saline rinses after 24 hours, at least 5–6 times daily.
- Eat non-spicy, non-sharp, soft, non-sticky foods. Drink from a glass, never a straw.
- Take prescribed medication regularly.
- If sutures were placed, have them removed after one week.
- After wisdom tooth removal, start chewing-gum exercises the next day to improve mouth opening.
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
Wondering what this means for your teeth? Book a 15-minute consultation.
Dr. Surbhi Malhotra
26+ years of dental practice · Sector 100, Noida
