Overview
A blood clot forms in the socket after extraction and protects healing bone. Spitting, smoking, straws, and vigorous rinsing can disturb the clot and increase pain or dry socket risk. Follow your dentist's instructions closely.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Biting on gauze with steady pressure helps early bleeding stop.
- ✓Avoid spitting, straws, smoking, and vigorous rinsing early on.
- ✓Worsening pain after a few days may indicate dry socket.
- ✓Persistent bleeding or swelling needs professional advice.
What You Can Do At Home
- 1Bite on gauze as instructed and keep your head elevated.
- 2Eat soft, cool foods initially and avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods.
- 3Do not smoke after extraction.
- 4Take medicines exactly as prescribed.
When To Book A Dentist
- !Bleeding continues despite firm gauze pressure.
- !Pain worsens after two to four days.
- !There is bad smell, fever, pus, or increasing swelling.
- !You are on blood thinners or have a medical bleeding risk.
Emergency Warning Signs
- !Uncontrolled bleeding, breathing trouble, or rapidly spreading swelling.
- !Fever with worsening facial swelling.