The recovery process looks different for every patient, but we recommend that you plan to have your child take at least three days off from school or work after their tooth extraction. Once they are able to return to their normal routine, you may find that they still need to eat soft foods for a week or more after treatment. They should plan to get plenty of rest in the days following their procedure. Drinking anything through a straw should be avoided during this time, as that can cause a painful complication called a dry socket.