After a tooth extraction, your recovery experience matters just as much as the procedure itself. At Dental Arts Toronto, we don’t just focus on removing the tooth, we support you through every step of healing. If you’re based in Forest Hill, Lawrence Park, or anywhere in Toronto, this article offers everything you need to recover smoothly and avoid complications.
Post-Extraction Healing Essentials
- Most healing happens in the first 3–7 days; complete healing takes 2–3 weeks
- Avoid straws, smoking, and hot or hard foods
- Stick to soft, cold or room-temperature foods for the first 48 hours
- Call your dentist if you notice pain after 3 days or signs of infection
A Healthy Recovery Leads to Long-Term Oral Wellness
Post-extraction healing is simple, but critical. Following the right aftercare routine helps you avoid pain, dry socket, or infection. At Dental Arts Toronto, we provide clear instructions and support so you can focus on rest, not worry.
Immediate Aftercare (First 24 Hours)
Your dentist will send you home with gauze and clear instructions:
- Bite down gently on gauze for 30–60 minutes to form a clot
- Avoid spitting, rinsing, or brushing the area
- Use an ice pack to reduce swelling
- Rest and limit physical activity
The first 24 hours set the tone for the entire healing process.
What to Eat (and What to Avoid)
Recommended foods:
- Yogurt, applesauce, pudding
- Soup (lukewarm only)
- Scrambled eggs
- Smoothies (without a straw)
- Mashed potatoes
Avoid:
- Hot foods or drinks (they dissolve the clot)
- Crunchy, spicy, or chewy foods
- Alcohol or carbonated beverages
- Using a straw (can dislodge the clot)
Cleaning Your Mouth Safely
- Don’t brush the extraction site for 24 hours
- After 24 hours, rinse gently with warm salt water (no mouthwash)
- Resume brushing and flossing other areas of your mouth
- Avoid vigorous rinsing or swishing
Common Symptoms vs Red Flags
Normal symptoms:
- Mild swelling
- Slight bleeding or oozing for up to 24 hours
- Soreness in the jaw
Red flags — call us if you notice:
- Pain increasing after Day 3
- Persistent bleeding
- Bad taste, odor, or visible pus
- Fever or chills
How Long Does Recovery Take?
- Day 1–2: Clot forms, soreness peaks
- Day 3–5: Swelling decreases, clot stabilizes
- Day 7–10: Soft tissue healing
- Day 14–21: Deeper bone healing
Complete healing can vary, especially for surgical extractions (like wisdom teeth). We recommend follow-ups as needed.
Tips for Faster Healing
- Follow post-op instructions exactly
- Keep your head elevated when sleeping
- Stay hydrated, drink water only
- Eat nutritious soft meals
- Don’t smoke or vape for at least 72 hours
When to Call Dental Arts Toronto
Reach out if you:
- Have ongoing or worsening pain after Day 3
- Notice signs of dry socket (throbbing pain, empty socket)
- Experience symptoms of infection
We serve patients across Bedford Park, North Toronto, and the Downtown Core with post-op support and care.
FAQs – Tooth Extraction Aftercare Toronto
After 24 hours, avoid the socket area and brush gently.
Intense pain starting 3+ days post-extraction and no visible clot. Contact us immediately.
Wait 24–48 hours. Start with lukewarm beverages.
Most patients resume normal meals within 4–7 days.
Get Expert Post-Extraction Support in Toronto
Healing is just as important as the procedure itself. At Dental Arts Toronto, we guide patients in Forest Hill, Lawrence Park, and South Etobicoke with personalized care, follow-ups, and clear post-op instructions.
Had a tooth pulled? Call us for guidance or schedule your follow-up today.
