Tooth Extraction Healing Stages

Stage 1: Stage one consists of the first 24 hours after the extraction, and this is when blood clotting begins. Some pain and discomfort are normal during stage one, as is light bleeding. Expect swelling to peak during the first 24 hours.
Stage 2: Stage two comprises the 24 to 48 hours following extraction, and the attention in stage two turns to the clot that has formed in the tooth’s socket. Platelets in the clot begin to produce chemical factors that promote the healing process, and swelling starts to subside.
Stage 3: During stage three, which is roughly 72 hours after removal, the gum tissue begins to close around the extraction site.
Stage 4: Stage four is the final healing stage, which happens around seven to ten days after the procedure. By this point, the hole left from the extraction has closed in most cases, though recovery time for larger teeth like molars can take a bit longer.

Things You Can Do After Tooth Extraction

Though the area will be tender, there are certain things you can do following tooth extraction:

Keep the area clean by brushing, while avoiding the extraction site
Eat and drink lukewarm foods as you would, but avoid biting down on the extraction site. Nourishing foods like purees and liquids are recommended, such as soup, yogurt, applesauce, soft noodles, and pudding. Smoothies are also excellent for getting nutrients as long as you eat them with a spoon
Get plenty of rest to facilitate healing
Use an antiseptic mouthwash to help avoid infection