How long should a blood clot stay in place after tooth extraction?

About 24 hours: We try to keep patients from smoking, rinsing out their mouths or sucking on a straw for the first 24 hours. Even if you do abide by this..A dry socket can still occur. But don't be afraid to call the doctor and ask for help. He may have to medicate the hole.

As long as possible: After the tooth is extracted, a blood clot will form in the site. The blood clot will be eventually replaced by soft tissue which will be replace by bone.