Socket Preservation Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for socket preservation: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Why Socket Preservation?
- •After a tooth is removed, the bone begins to shrink (resorb)
- •The graft material fills the socket to maintain bone volume
- •This preserves the option for a dental implant in the future
Socket Preservation recovery, day by day
Protect the Graft
- Do NOT disturb the extraction site or the bone graft material
- A collagen membrane or stitches may be covering the graft. Do not touch them
- Bite on gauze for 30-45 minutes if bleeding continues
- Do NOT rinse, spit, or use a straw for 24 hours
Swelling & Comfort
- Apply ice 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 48 hours
- Some swelling and bruising is normal and peaks around day 2
- Take pain medication before numbness wears off
- Sleep with head elevated
Diet
- Soft, cool foods only for 3-5 days
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth
- Avoid hot foods and beverages for 24 hours
- Stay well hydrated
Graft Care
- Small granules of graft material may come loose. This is normal in small amounts
- Do not probe the site with your tongue or fingers
- Begin gentle warm salt water rinses (1/2 tsp salt in 8 oz water) after 24 hours
- The membrane or sutures will dissolve on their own (typically 1-2 weeks)
Oral Hygiene
- Brush teeth normally, but avoid the surgical site for 1 week
- Use the prescribed antimicrobial rinse if provided
- Gently let rinse flow over the site rather than swishing vigorously
Healing Progress
- The graft is integrating with your natural bone
- Full bone maturation takes 3-6 months before an implant can be placed
- Continue regular brushing and flossing around the healed site
- Attend follow-up appointments to monitor graft integration
Medications you may be given
Ibuprofen 600mg
Take 1 tablet 3 times daily with food
Amoxicillin 500mg
Take 1 capsule 3 times daily until finished
Always follow the exact directions your own provider gives you. This is general information, not a prescription.
When to call your provider or 911
- •Large amount of graft material coming out (more than a few granules)
- •Heavy bleeding that does not slow after 30 minutes of firm pressure
- •Fever over 101°F (38.3°C)
- •Severe, worsening pain after day 3
- •Pus or foul odor from the extraction site
- •Membrane or sutures fall out within the first 3 days
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 5
Swelling resolves
Most swelling and bruising gone
- Day 14
Sutures dissolve
Membrane/sutures dissolve or are removed
- Day 90
Bone maturation
Follow-up to assess bone growth for implant readiness
For clinics
Stop photocopying aftercare sheets.
QR Rx sends this exact socket preservation recovery plan to every patient, branded to your practice, opened by a QR code. It checks in automatically, answers post-op questions, asks for a review at the right moment, and brings patients back for their next visit. The aftercare you already owe every patient, doing the work of keeping them.
HIPAA compliant. No credit card. Cancel anytime.