You have undergone a tooth extraction. A blood clot is now forming in the extraction socket and this is essential for normal healing.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Pain
You can expect some discomfort once the local anaesthetic wears off. Pain typically increases over the first 2–3 days and then gradually improves. This can be controlled with regular use of ibuprofen and paracetamol.
Bleeding
Light oozing is expected for the first 24 hours. Blood from the socket mixes with the saliva.
Avoid rinsing your mouth out for 24 hours. Try to minimise spitting out – blood-stained saliva is safe to swallow.
If required, bite firmly on damp gauze placed over the socket for 20–30 minutes while sitting upright to control bleeding.
Swelling
Swelling of the cheek and jaw is common. This typically continues to increase for 3 days after the procedure before gradually subsiding. Swelling is often associated with stiffness and reduced mouth opening.
Sleep more upright using several extra pillows (covered with a towel) for the first few nights, in order to help the swelling resolve more quickly.
Bruising
Bruising of the cheek or jaw may occur and may appear after several days. This resolves naturally over several weeks, and may travel down into the neck with gravity.
Taste
A mild unpleasant taste is common during early healing and improves as the socket recovers.
Limit use of chlorhexidine mouthwash (e.g. Corsodyl) to 14 days, as prolonged use can alter the sense of taste.
Sensation Changes
The area may feel numb or altered initially due to the local anaesthetic. Be careful to only eat soft, cool things during this period so as not to burn or bite yourself without reaslising it.
Temporary altered sensation of the lip, chin, or tongue may occur after extractions and usually improves with time, sometimes over the course of 3-18 months.
Recovery Timeline (Approximate)
- Days 1–3: Pain and swelling increase
- Days 4–7: Gradual improvement
- 1-2 weeks: Significant recovery
- 2-3 weeks: Any stitches have typically fallen out
- Healing of the socket continues over several weeks
How to Maximise Healing after a Tooth Extraction
The most important factor in recovery is protecting the blood clot within the socket.
Important: Dry Socket Risk
Dry socket occurs when the blood clot is lost prematurely, leading to exposed bone and increasing pain, typically 3–5 days after surgery.
To reduce this risk, for the first 5 days:
Do not smoke or vape
Do not use straws
Avoid vigorous rinsing
Avoid forceful spitting
Failure to follow these instructions significantly increases the risk of dry socket.
Pain Relief
Take pain medication immediately (before the local anaesthetic wears off) and continue regularly, regardless of pain levels, for the first few days. Do not wait until pain becomes severe.
Oral Hygiene
Do not brush directly over the extraction site on the first day.
From 24 hours onwards (i.e. not on day 1), after food, rinse gently with warm salt water or the provided mouthwash.
Continue careful tooth brushing twice daily, avoiding the socket initially.
Diet
Avoid hard or sharp foods near the extraction site.
For the first few days, choose soft, nutrient-dense foods that are easy to eat: yoghurt, eggs, soft fish, soups, lentils, mashed vegetables, and protein-rich smoothies (avoiding straws). The priority is maintaining protein intake, hydration and overall calorie intake while the extraction site heals.
As comfort improves, gradually return to a normal diet rich in protein, fruit, and vegetables. Most patients do not need complicated supplements or special protocols. A balanced, minimally processed diet combined with good hydration and avoidance of smoking provides the best nutritional support for uncomplicated healing.
Activity
Rest on the day of surgery.
Avoid strenuous activity for one week, as this may cause bleeding.
After peak swelling (day 3), make a gradual return to normal activity.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Please contact your team (enquiries@facialsurgerylondon.co.uk) if you experience:
- Increasing pain after the first 3–4 days
- Worsening swelling after 72 hours
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Persistent bad taste or discharge
- Prolonged or worsening numbness
- Bleeding that does not settle with pressure
Clinic Review
A review appointment will typically be made 2 weeks after your extraction, in order to check healing.