Home » Blog » Tooth Extraction Aftercare: Healing, When You Can Eat, and More

For many patients, the thought of tooth extraction is daunting. But this procedure is incredibly common and often necessary to restore dental health. Tooth decay and infection, including periodontal disease, can both prompt the need for an extraction. Following best practices for tooth extraction aftercare and knowing the steps of healing will help you be diligent about your oral health and set you up for a healthy, beautiful smile.

At DGY Dentistry Ann Arbor, we provide no-pressure consultations and transparent payment options to help our patients make informed decisions about their dental health. Our experienced dentists specialize in tooth extraction and are highly trained in surgical dentistry — contact our tooth extraction dentists near you.

Here are some common questions about tooth extraction aftercare:

How long after a tooth extraction can I eat?

You can eat several hours after a tooth extraction, but you will want to stick to soft foods for at least 24 hours to avoid irritating the socket.

What to eat after tooth extraction

You should eat soft foods after a tooth extraction. Soups, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and applesauce are all safe bets. It is recommended to avoid crunchy or chewy foods that can cause irritation, as well as seeds and alcohol.

How long does pain last after tooth extraction?

Most people report discomfort for 1-2 days after a tooth extraction, or 2-3 days if bone grafting is done.

What should a tooth extraction look like when healing?

According to Healthline, a blood clot should form within 24 hours of your tooth extraction. This stops the bleeding and allows white granulation tissue — a combination of collagen, white blood cells, and blood vessels — to cover the wound.

If the blood clot doesn’t form or falls off too early, you may develop dry socket; symptoms include severe pain, empty-looking socket, bad breath, and/or an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Contact your dentist if these or other symptoms of infection occur, including severe pain, bleeding, swelling, or discharge.

Tooth extraction healing stages

According to WebMD, “It is normal to feel some pain after the anesthesia wears off. For 24 hours after having a tooth pulled, you should also expect some swelling and residual bleeding. However, if either bleeding or pain is still severe more than four hours after your tooth is pulled, you should call your dentist.”

After your tooth extraction

If your tooth was not extracted due to crowding, you will need to replace the missing tooth once the socket has healed. The most common method is with a dental implant, which has the appearance and function of a real tooth, and is surgically placed in the mouth by cementing it to an abutment. If you had multiple teeth extracted a bridge or dentures might be necessary, depending on your situation — your dentist should explain your options prior to extraction.

At DGY Dentistry Ann Arbor, we take the time to explain our patients’ options for achieving the healthiest and most attractive smile. We combine meticulous attention to detail and artistic vision with top materials like porcelain crowns to help patients achieve the best results.

Find a tooth extraction dentist near you

Our Ann Arbor dental office prides itself on providing no-pressure consultations and transparent payment options around your tooth extraction and any other dental procedures. Our dentists specialize in tooth extraction and are highly trained and experienced in surgical, restorative, and prosthodontic (dental prosthetic) aspects of dentistry.

If you would like to schedule a consultation, request an appointment or call us at (734) 971-3450. Our dental office is conveniently located on E Eisenhower Parkway, with easy access to Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and the larger Southeast Michigan area.

• Restorative Dentistry