How long should I bite on gauze after a tooth extraction?

Bite firmly on the gauze pad for 30–45 minutes without checking it every few minutes. If it's still bleeding heavily after that, replace the gauze with a fresh pad (or a moistened black tea bag, which contains tannic acid that helps clotting) and bite down again for another 30 minutes.

What is dry socket and how do I prevent it?

Dry socket happens when the blood clot protecting the healing socket is dislodged or breaks down too early, exposing the bone underneath. It causes worsening, throbbing pain from around Day 3, often spreading to the ear or jaw. Prevent it by avoiding straws, spitting, smoking and vigorous rinsing for at least 24 hours, and avoiding hard, crunchy or chewy foods on that side.

How long does recovery from a tooth extraction take?

The gum surface over a simple extraction usually closes within 1–2 weeks, and most people feel completely comfortable within 3–7 days. The underlying bone takes several months to fully remodel, but this causes no symptoms once the surface has healed.

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Tooth Extraction Recovery

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Based on guidance from NHS, Australian Dental Association & healthdirect

Last reviewed: October 2026 · Free to use · No data collected

About ↗

Tooth extraction recovery is about protecting the blood clot in the socket for the first 24 hours. No straws, no spitting, no smoking, and no vigorous rinsing: these prevent dry socket, the most common complication. Bleeding should settle within a few hours; swelling, if any, peaks around Day 2 and then eases.

⚕️ This is friendly general guidance. Your surgeon's and medical team's specific instructions always take priority. If you are concerned about any symptom, contact your surgical team or call emergency services; do not rely on this guide alone.

Recovery essentials

Things published guidance and other patients say make a genuine difference.

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Gauze pads and a cold compress for the first 24 hours help control bleeding and swelling. Gauze & cold compress →

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A gentle, no-rinse-spit salt water alternative (a dentist-recommended saline mouth rinse) from Day 2 onwards. Saline mouth rinse →

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Track your wound healing

Take a photo of your wound each day. The ghost overlay lines up your previous photo so you can spot changes. Drag the reveal slider to compare before and after. Bring the photos to your next appointment. If something looks off, try our wound symptom checker.

100% private. Photos stay on your device. Nothing uploaded.

📷 Open wound photo journal →

Your recovery toolkit

Free interactive tools to track your recovery day by day. Everything stays on your device — nothing is uploaded or shared.

Pain trackerSpot the trend, share it with your GP Is my pain normal?A plain-English read on what you’re feeling Medication scheduleLay out dose times, add calendar reminders Last-dose tracker“When can I take the next one?”Daily dashboardMeds, vitals & wound photos in one view Driving readinessWhat published guidance says before you drive

These tools support — never replace — the advice of your surgical team. If something feels wrong, contact your doctor or emergency services.

Tooth Extraction Recovery

🧰 Your recovery toolkit

Your recovery toolkit