Getting a tooth pulled isn't fun. Most people feel a mix of worry and discomfort when it comes to extractions. The pain after the procedure can make it even harder. But there are simple steps you can take to manage the pain and heal quicker. This guide shares helpful tips for folks in Ottawa looking to recover smoothly from a tooth extraction.

Tooth extraction is sometimes the only choice. Maybe your tooth is broken, infected, or there's not enough room in your mouth. Whatever the reason, once it’s done, the focus shifts to recovery. The first 24 to 48 hours are the most important. What you do in that time can make a big difference in how much pain you feel.

Right after the extraction, your dentist will place gauze over the area. This helps form a blood clot, which protects the socket. Don’t chew on the gauze or keep talking too much. Keep your head raised and rest. Avoid touching the area with your fingers or tongue.

If you're looking for advice straight from a Ottawa dentist, here’s a key tip: don’t smoke or use straws. The suction can pull the clot out, which causes dry socket. That’s when the pain gets worse instead of better. It’s one of the most common problems people face after a tooth extraction.

Use Ice and Rest the Jaw

Your jaw may swell after the extraction. Use an ice pack on your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This helps numb the area and brings down the swelling. But don’t apply the ice directly on your skin—wrap it in a towel. Keep your jaw relaxed and try not to talk too much during the first day.

Stick to Soft Foods

What you eat after the procedure matters. Stick to soft, cold or room-temp foods like yogurt, pudding, applesauce, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs. Don’t eat crunchy or spicy foods. Avoid hot soups and drinks in the first 24 hours. Hot foods can make bleeding worse.

Also, make sure you stay hydrated, but sip slowly. No carbonated drinks or alcohol either. Water is best.

Take Pain Meds on Time

Most dentists will recommend pain relievers. You might get a prescription or be told to take over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Don’t wait till the pain gets bad. Take your meds as told, on time. Skipping doses can let the pain build up and become harder to control.

Sometimes, dentists also suggest a saltwater rinse. But wait at least 24 hours before doing this. Mix about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gently rinse your mouth. Don’t spit hard—let it roll out gently.

Keep the Area Clean

You can brush your other teeth but avoid the extraction site for the first day. After 24 hours, you can gently rinse with salt water a few times a day. Don’t use mouthwash with alcohol in it—it can sting and slow healing.

Make sure your hands are clean before touching your mouth. Even though the wound is small, infections can still happen if you're not careful.

Don’t Overdo It

Try not to lift anything heavy or do any hard exercise for at least two days. Overdoing it can raise your blood pressure and cause bleeding at the site. Give your body time to heal. Your mouth has been through a lot, even if it was a simple extraction.

Take naps if you feel tired. Rest is your friend here.

Watch for Signs of Trouble

While most people heal without problems, things can go wrong. Call your dentist if:

• Bleeding doesn’t stop after a few hours

• Swelling gets worse instead of better

• Pain gets stronger after a few days

• You see pus or have a bad taste in your mouth

• You have a fever

These could be signs of infection or dry socket. It’s better to get checked than to wait and hope it goes away.

Healing Takes Time

Some folks feel better in just a couple of days. For others, it may take a week or more. It depends on the tooth pulled and your overall health. Wisdom teeth, for example, take longer to heal than smaller teeth.

The gum will slowly fill in and get back to normal. You may still feel some tenderness, but the worst of the pain should be gone in a few days. Be patient and follow the advice your dentist gave you.

Kids and Tooth Extractions

If it’s your child who had the tooth extraction, they may not understand why they need to stay still or avoid certain foods. Try giving them a popsicle or cold yogurt to help with swelling and pain. Keep them calm and distracted with a movie or a book.

Make sure they don’t touch the area or poke it with their tongue. Some kids find this hard to resist, but you’ll need to remind them.

Long-Term Oral Health

Once the area heals, keep up good brushing and flossing habits. Missing a tooth may affect how you chew or speak. Talk to your dentist about options to replace the tooth if needed, like a bridge or dental implant. But wait until healing is complete before making big decisions.

Preventing future tooth trouble is the best goal. Regular checkups, cleanings, and brushing twice a day help avoid extractions in the future.

Final Thoughts

Dealing with tooth pain after an extraction is tough, but it doesn’t last forever. Stay calm, follow instructions, and give your mouth the care it needs. The pain should ease up after a few days, and you’ll be back to normal soon.

If you live in Ottawa and need expert care, Dr. Sirwan Dental Ottawa is a trusted name. The team understands how to make patients feel at ease during and after treatment. Whether you need advice, a follow-up, or a full dental plan, they’re ready to help you feel better, faster. You don’t have to deal with dental pain alone—let Dr. Sirwan and his staff take care of you with kindness and skill.