How to treat pain after tooth extraction?
Pain after a tooth extraction is best managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, which reduces both pain and swelling, or paracetamol if ibuprofen is not suitable for you. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours also helps reduce discomfort. Avoid hot food and drinks, rinsing forcefully, and touching the socket with your tongue or fingers, as these can disrupt healing.
- Take ibuprofen or paracetamol at regular intervals as directed rather than waiting for pain to peak before medicating.
- Apply a cold pack to your cheek during the first 24 hours to help manage swelling and discomfort.
- Contact your clinic if pain is not improving after 48–72 hours or is accompanied by fever, increased swelling, or a bad taste.
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Related Questions
Can you eat after tooth extraction?
Yes, you can eat after a tooth extraction, but only soft foods once the anaesthesia has worn off. Stick to cool, soft items like smoothies, soup, or scrambled eggs for the first day, and avoid chewing on the side of the extraction. - Start with soft, cool foods after the anaesthesia wears off. - Do not chew on the extraction side for the first few days. - Avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or sticky foods until healing is well underway.
How long does a tooth extraction take?
A simple tooth extraction usually takes between 20 and 40 minutes from the time you are seated in the chair. More complex cases, such as impacted teeth or surgical extractions, may take 60 minutes or longer. - Simple extractions: 20–40 minutes. - Surgical or impacted extractions: 60 minutes or more. - Your clinic will provide a clear timeline to fit your travel plans.
How long for tooth extraction to heal?
The initial healing phase for a tooth extraction takes about 1–2 weeks, during which the gum tissue closes over the socket. Complete bone healing takes several months, but most people can return to normal eating and activities within a week or two. - Gum healing: 1–2 weeks; bone healing: several months. - Follow aftercare instructions carefully to avoid dry socket. - Most people resume normal activities within a week.
Can I drink alcohol after tooth extraction?
It is best to avoid alcohol for at least 24–48 hours after a tooth extraction, and longer if you are taking prescription pain medication. Alcohol can thin the blood, increase bleeding, and interfere with healing. - Avoid alcohol for at least 24–48 hours, longer if taking pain medication. - Alcohol can increase bleeding and delay healing. - Follow your clinic’s specific advice based on your extraction type.
