24 Hours After Tooth Extraction: Do’s and Don’ts for Recovery

What you do in the first 24 hours after tooth extraction can make a big difference in your recovery. At Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma, we help every patient know exactly what to expect during that first day.

Here are a few essential do’s and don’ts after your procedure:

Do rest. Keep your head elevated and avoid strenuous activity.
Do bite down gently on gauze to stop bleeding.
Do follow your surgeon’s medication instructions.

Don’t drink through a straw. Suction can dislodge the clot and cause dry socket.
Don’t smoke or vape. This slows healing and increases infection risk.
Don’t touch the site with your tongue or fingers.

For meals, stick to soft, cool foods like yogurt or applesauce. Avoid anything hot, spicy, or crunchy for the first day. Be gentle when brushing your teeth, and don’t rinse your mouth too vigorously.

We provide detailed post-op instructions tailored to your procedure. Our team is also available to answer any follow-up questions or concerns.

If you’re preparing for surgery, knowing what happens 24 hours after tooth extraction will help you heal better and faster. And with our OKC team, you’re never alone in the process.