How to Heal a Dental Extraction

While there is no pain quite like a toothache, a dry socket can lead to greater discomfort. It occurs in about 5 percent of extraction cases and is usually the result of not following postoperative instructions for proper extraction healing. A dry socket occurs when the blood clot comes away from the extraction site, leaving the bone and nerve endings exposed to air, fluids and food. Dry socket is painful and can add five to six days' healing time.

Things You'll Need

• Gauze
• Salt

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Instructions

• 1

  Pack the extraction area with folded gauze. Replace the gauze as needed when it becomes saturated. Bite firmly on the gauze for 45 minutes to an hour to stop the bleeding. If the bleeding persists, apply a moistened tea bag to the extraction site. The tannic acid in the tea aids in the formation of blood clots.

• 2

  Mix salt with warm water. Rinse your mouth out gently with the salt water and let the water drain from your mouth into the sink. Don't spit.

• 3

  Take a non-aspirin pain reliever after the extraction. Follow label directions and take as often as recommended to control pain.

• 4

  Eat soft foods only, such as soup, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes and grilled cheese sandwiches. Chew your food on the opposite side from the extraction. Drink beverages at room temperature.

• 5

  Brush your teeth no sooner than 24 hours after the extraction. Brush gently around the extraction area. Do not rinse with mouthwash.