6 Essential Tips for Faster Healing After a Tooth Extraction | Colac Smiles

Tooth extraction is a routine dental procedure, but your aftercare plays a major role in how quickly and comfortably you recover. Whether you’ve had a simple removal or complex surgical extraction, the right steps can minimise pain, reduce complications, and get you back to feeling your best sooner.

If you're recovering in Colac, Elliminyt, Winchelsea, Birregurra, Barongarook or Apollo Bay, here are six essential recovery tips from Colac Smiles to help you heal faster.

1. Follow Your Dentist’s Instructions Carefully

Your dentist at Colac Smiles will provide personalised post-op instructions based on your procedure. These guidelines are essential to support healing and reduce the risk of complications such as dry socket or infection.

Key recommendations may include:

• Taking prescribed antibiotics (if required)

• Using pain relief such as ibuprofen or paracetamol

• Attending follow-up appointments to check your progress

Skipping these instructions could delay healing or lead to avoidable problems.

2. Control Swelling and Pain Early

Swelling is most noticeable in the first 48 hours after extraction. You can minimise it and feel more comfortable with the following strategies:

• Ice Packs: Apply to your cheek near the extraction site in 15–20 minute intervals during the first day.

• Pain Medication: Use dentist-approved medications such as ibuprofen to reduce inflammation.

• Keep Your Head Elevated: Sleep with your head propped up to reduce blood flow to the area and ease swelling.

Most patients notice a decrease in swelling and discomfort after 2–3 days.

3. Choose Soft Foods to Protect the Extraction Site

What you eat can make or break your recovery. Stick with soft, easy-to-chew foods for at least a few days to avoid disturbing the extraction site.

Gentle options include:

• Mashed potatoes

• Yoghurt

• Scrambled eggs

• Porridge or oatmeal

• Smoothies (no seeds or chunks)

• Lukewarm soups

Avoid crunchy, hot, or spicy foods early on—they can delay healing or cause discomfort.

4. Maintain Gentle Oral Hygiene

Keeping your mouth clean is crucial to prevent infection, but be gentle around the extraction area.

Post-extraction hygiene tips:

• Wait 24 hours before brushing near the site

• Begin salt water rinses (1 tsp salt in 1 cup warm water) after meals from day two

• Avoid spitting forcefully or using strong mouthwashes

• Continue brushing and flossing other teeth as normal

This balance between cleanliness and caution helps speed up healing.

5. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

For residents in Colac and surrounding areas, avoiding smoking and alcohol after an extraction is essential:

• Smoking increases your risk of dry socket, a painful condition that slows healing

• Alcohol can interfere with medications and irritate the wound

Avoid both for at least 72 hours. If possible, take this as an opportunity to quit smoking entirely—it’s one of the best things you can do for your long-term oral health.

6. Prioritise Rest and Hydration

Your body heals best when it’s well-rested and hydrated. After your extraction:

• Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep per night

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day

• Avoid straws—suction can dislodge the protective blood clot

• Limit sugary or carbonated drinks, which can irritate the healing site

Good hydration supports your immune system, and rest gives your body time to repair tissue and fight off infection.

Healing Timeline After a Tooth Extraction

Warning Signs: When to Contact Colac Smiles

If you experience any of the following, get in touch with us promptly:

• Intense pain 2–3 days after extraction (possible dry socket)

• Persistent bleeding that doesn’t stop after a few hours

• Fever, pus, or a bad taste (signs of infection)

• Swelling that worsens instead of improving

We provide care to patients in Cororooke, Beeac, Warrion, Aireys Inlet, and Apollo Bay—you don’t need to travel far for trusted dental care.

Why Trust Colac Smiles with Your Recovery?

At Colac Smiles, we make your healing a priority. Our experienced dentists provide:

• Clear instructions tailored to your treatment

• Prompt follow-up care for peace of mind

• Gentle, compassionate support throughout your recovery

Whether you're in Elliminyt, Birregurra, or Barongarook, we're here to make sure your extraction recovery is smooth and stress-free.

📞 Book an appointment or follow-up today—your smile is in safe hands at Colac Smiles.

FAQs

How long does it take to heal after a tooth extraction?
Most patients heal within 7–14 days, but full bone healing can take a few months.

Can I drive home after my appointment?
Yes, if only a local anaesthetic was used. If you were sedated, arrange for a driver.

When can I return to normal eating?
Start with soft foods for the first 3–5 days, then slowly reintroduce firmer foods.

What’s dry socket and how do I avoid it?
Dry socket is when the blood clot dislodges, exposing bone. Avoid smoking, spitting, or using straws to prevent it.

Should I brush my teeth after the extraction?
Wait 24 hours before brushing near the site, then resume gentle brushing to avoid infection.

References

• Australian Dental Association (ADA) – Post-Operative Tooth Care

• Dental Health Services Victoria (DHSV) – Dry Socket Information