Here are some general guidelines. Bite on gauze. After the extraction, bite down gently on a gauze pad to control bleeding and promote blood clot formation. Pain management. Take prescribed pain medication as directed. Swelling and bruising. Apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling. Oral hygiene. Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth. Diet and eating. Stick to a soft diet and avoid hot or hard foods that may irritate the extraction site. Follow-up appointment. Attend any scheduled follow-up appointments.