A) Stopping post-tooth extraction bleeding.
Some amount of bleeding may occur for some time after your tooth has been extracted. In most cases this bleeding can be effectively controlled and subsequently stopped by placing a piece of moist clean gauze over the empty tooth socket, and then biting firmly on this gauze for 40 minutes to an hour.
Make sure that the gauze is positioned so when you bite down it applies pressure directly onto the extraction site. If you bite down and your teeth come together fully you may not be placing much pressure on the gauze.
It is both firm pressure and maintaining this pressure over a prolonged period of time (40 minutes or so) that are important factors when this technique is used. Don't keep changing the gauze, and don't chew on it. Just put it in and then clamp down on it for 40 minutes to an hour.
If the bleeding seems to persist, a slightly moistened tea bag can be a very effective substitute for the gauze. One of the components of tea (black tea, the regular stuff you would use to make iced tea) is tannic acid. Tannic acid aids the formation of blood clots, thus making this method a very effective technique. (Same instructions as above, just substitute the tea bag for the gauze.) >
Remember that a little bit of blood looks like a lot of blood when mixed with saliva.  It is normal to have some minor oozing/bleeding on and off for the first couple of days following the extraction, especially after eating, brushing, or anything that would raise your blood pressure.  If heavy bleeding persists after one of these 40 minute applications, then repeat these instructions. If heavy bleeding is still present then contact your dentist.
B) You need to insure that an adequate blood clot forms, and stays, in the empty tooth socket.
The blood clot that forms in the extraction socket is an important part of the healing process, so be careful not to do anything that will dislodge it. Remember, events that occur during this first-24-hours’ time frame will affect the healing process for days to come. (For example, it's thought that the development of a “dry socket" is related to the loss of blood clots.)
As a way of protecting the blood clot, you should avoid vigorous rinsing or spitting during the first 24 hours after your tooth extraction. And since hot liquids tend to dissolve blood clots, stay away from hot soup or coffee.
You should avoid creating air pressure variations in your mouth, or pressure differences between your mouth and your sinuses (the latter is especially important in the case of an upper tooth extraction), because doing so may dislodge the blood clot from its socket.
This means you should avoid smoking or using a straw (these activities create suction). Also, don't blow your nose and if you need to sneeze, sneeze with your mouth open.
C) Minimize activities that might make it harder to control the bleeding from the extraction site.
During the first 24 hours after your tooth extraction, you'll want to avoid any activities that might make it difficult to control the bleeding from your extraction site, or interfere with blood clot formation and retention. So, in terms of activities, this means that you should avoid strenuous exercise and work. You should also avoid bending over or lifting heavy objects.
In general, it's not a bad idea to just take it easy during the first 24 hours after your tooth extraction. When you sleep or lie down, position yourself so your head is above the level of your heart. (Prop your head up with an extra pillow, lie down slightly inclined.) Taking this position will lower the blood pressure level at your head end, which is a favorable thing for controlling bleeding.
D) Swelling may occur after a tooth extraction.
The trauma created by the tooth extraction process can cause swelling. This swelling might present itself as a slight fullness that you can feel but is not readily apparent to others, or at the other extreme a clear enlargement of facial tissue. In general, the more difficult the extraction has been the more likely swelling will occur.
Any swelling that does occur can be kept to a minimum by placing ice on your face in the area where the extraction has taken place. Position the ice on your face for 10 minutes, and then leave it off for the next 20 minutes. Repeat this cycle as you feel is necessary for up to 24 hours after the extraction.
E) Minimize smoking after a tooth extraction.
Those people who smoke tend to have more complications with extraction site healing (including the development of “dry sockets") than people who don't. If you can avoid smoking for the first 48 hours after your tooth extraction, it will be to your benefit.
F) Post extraction discomfort and the use of pain medications.
Much of the discomfort experienced after an extraction is related to inflammation, therefore taking anti-inflammatory medications, particularly Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, etc.) will help to prevent and or treat pain. It takes less medication to prevent pain, than to make it go away, so it is many times advisable to take an anti-inflammatory to prevent discomfort.   You will, of course, need to read and follow the directions and warnings that accompany these products so you know that their use is appropriate for you and your circumstances.
Alternatively, if you have been prescribed prescription pain relief medication for you and you have decided to take it, make sure you read and adhere to the precautions and directions associated with the use of this product. If you have any questions about your medicine, the manner in which it should be taken, or else problems associated with taking your medicine, you should discuss them with the dentist or pharmacist.
The pain reliever your dentist prescribes may contain a narcotic (such as codeine). If so, most narcotic pain medications will have a tendency to upset your stomach, so it is usually best to take them with food. Narcotics can also make you drowsy or act strangely. If you take narcotics, you should let those around you know you are doing so. Also, you should limit your activities and avoid driving and operating machinery, etc. while taking narcotics.
G) Continue to take prescribed antibiotics as directed.
Any antibiotics prescribed by your dentist should be taken as directed, even if it means continuing on with them after your tooth has been extracted. Failure to do so can lead to the development of bacterial resistance to the antibiotic.
H) Post-dental extraction eating considerations.
After a difficult extraction a soft or liquid diet may be indicated for 24 hours or so after your dental surgery. For simpler extractions just making sure that you do your chewing with those teeth that are distant from the extraction site should be sufficient. Hot liquids will tend to dissolve the blood clot that has formed in the extraction socket, so avoid them for the initial 24 hour period. Also, you should avoid alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours.
I) Brushing your teeth after a tooth extraction.
It is important to maintain good oral hygiene during the healing process. On the day of the extraction it might be best to avoid brushing the teeth directly neighboring the extraction site. The next day you can resume cleaning these teeth in a gentle manner. During the first 24 hours after the extraction don't rinse vigorously when you clean your teeth because it might dislodge the newly formed blood clot. Do not rinse with mouthwash or a mouth rinse.