What the Patient Education Generator actually produces

# Post-Extraction Care: What to Expect and How to Recover Congratulations on taking this important step toward better oral health. You've had your lower right molar extracted. This handout explains what to expect over the next few days and weeks, and what you can do to help yourself heal well. ## The First 24 Hours Bleeding and oozing are normal after extraction. A small amount of blood mixed with saliva may continue for several hours. Bite gently on the gauze pad your dentist gave you for 30-45 minutes. If bleeding continues, replace the gauze and bite down again. Avoid rinsing, spitting, or touching the area. Swelling is normal and usually peaks around 48-72 hours after extraction. Ice helps reduce swelling during this time. Apply ice for 15 minutes, then rest for 15 minutes. Repeat this pattern for the first 24 hours. ## Pain Management Some discomfort is expected. Take over-the-counter pain medication (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as directed on the package. If your dentist prescribed stronger medication, take it as instructed. Most patients need pain relief for 3-5 days. ## Eating and Drinking Stay hydrated—drink plenty of water and cool beverages. Avoid hot drinks for the first few days. Eat soft, cool foods: yogurt, applesauce, smoothies, pudding, mashed potatoes, and soup (cooled to lukewarm). Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, or very hot foods for at least one week. Do not use a straw—the sucking motion can disturb healing. ## Oral Care For the first week, do not brush or floss near the extraction site. Gently rinse with warm salt water (1/2 teaspoon salt in 8 ounces water) after meals and before bed, starting 24 hours after extraction. This keeps the area clean without disturbing the healing tissue. ## Activity and Rest Rest for the remainder of the day after extraction. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and bending over for the first 3-5 days. Light walking is fine. Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows to reduce swelling. ## When to Call Your Dentist Contact your dentist immediately if you experience uncontrolled bleeding that does not stop after 2 hours of gentle pressure, fever above 101°F, severe swelling of the face or jaw, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or pus or foul odor from the extraction site. ## Recovery Timeline Days 1-3: Expect swelling, some pain, and oozing. Days 4-7: Swelling decreases, discomfort improves. Weeks 2-4: The socket continues to fill in. Most people feel back to normal within 7-10 days.

• Bite gauze gently for 30-45 minutes after extraction to control bleeding—normal oozing may continue for several hours. • Apply ice for 15 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours to reduce swelling; expect peak swelling around 48-72 hours. • Eat soft, cool foods and drink plenty of water, but avoid straws, hot drinks, and hard or sticky foods for at least one week. • Rest for the remainder of extraction day and avoid strenuous exercise for 3-5 days; sleep with your head elevated. • Call your dentist immediately if you have uncontrolled bleeding, fever, severe swelling, difficulty breathing/swallowing, or signs of infection (pus or foul odor).

DO: Bite gently on gauze for 30-45 minutes after the procedure. DO: Apply ice for 15 minutes, rest 15 minutes, and repeat for the first 24 hours. DO: Take pain medication as directed on the package. DO: Drink plenty of cool water and stay hydrated. DO: Eat soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, pudding, and mashed potatoes. DO: Sleep with your head elevated on 2-3 pillows. DO: Rinse gently with warm salt water (starting 24 hours after extraction) after meals and before bed. DO: Rest for the remainder of extraction day and avoid strenuous activity for 3-5 days. DO: Call your dentist if you have uncontrolled bleeding, fever, or signs of infection. DON'T: Rinse, spit, or touch the extraction site for the first 24 hours. DON'T: Use a straw—the sucking motion can disturb healing. DON'T: Drink hot beverages for the first few days. DON'T: Eat hard, crunchy, sticky, or very hot foods for at least one week. DON'T: Brush or floss near the extraction site for the first week. DON'T: Engage in strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 3-5 days. DON'T: Bend over or lie flat—keep your head elevated.