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When to remove the gauze after wisdom tooth extraction?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I got my wisdom tooth extracted. It has been 10 hours since the tooth was taken out. How long should I keep my gauze in? I have read articles on recovery, and there is a lot of reference to "dry socket," which I am trying to avoid.

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The gauze piece can be generally removed after one to two hours, provided everything is normal. Otherwise, you can change the gauze piece, along with the medication on it, and you can put fresh cotton.

I do not know what your dentist had suggested to you. But I would suggest you can remove it and eat ice cream or cold beverages, but do not sip. Sipping can apply force on your extraction site.

Do a warm water and salt rinse after 24 hours. Do not rinse too harshly; just put a little pressure. Do not eat or drink anything hot, hard, or spicy for 48 hours.

I hope this helps.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At October 15, 2019
Reviewed AtJanuary 20, 2026

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