There are times when over-the-counter medicine doesn’t work to eliminate toothache pains. Eventually, tooth extraction may be the only choice to bring you relief. But how long does it take for tooth extraction to heal?
Surgery to remove teeth may seem drastic, yet it’s often necessary. Your dentist may suggest extracting a tooth if you’re experiencing certain dental issues. These include impaction, teeth loss due to deterioration, gum and supporting bone inflammation, dental trauma, or crowded teeth.
It’s natural to have concerns about how long it’ll take to heal after tooth extraction. You may also want to know if there is any way to hasten the process. Regardless, we’ll be answering such questions in this article.
What Happens; and How Long for Tooth Extraction Tooth to Heal
People scheduled for tooth extraction understandably worry about the recovery time involved. You just want to heal quickly and return to your routine as soon as possible.
It’s important to factor in certain variables when considering how long it takes for tooth extraction to heal. These include the tooth’s location, the type of tooth extracted, and your body’s natural healing processes.
Let’s first speak about gums and bone healing following an extraction. They typically take between one and three months to heal. But really, most patients feel significantly better between one to five days.
When to Expect Full Recovery After Tooth Extraction
Every tooth extraction patient will have different tooth extraction healing times. In other words, they’ll recover from a tooth extraction in their unique way.
While some patients report only little discomfort after the surgery, others report significant pain. Here’s what to anticipate following tooth extraction.
Immediately After Tooth Extraction
Some things will occur on the first-day post-extraction. Your blood will clot, and the sutures in your mouth will help the wound heal faster.
Minor discomfort and bleeding are common within the first 24 hours of recovery. Professional tooth extraction treatment in Ontario will likely give you a painkiller prescription to help cope during this time.
You can typically resume less-stressful activities like driving and going to an office job within a day of teeth extraction. However, people with physically demanding occupations may need to cut back on their athletic pursuits or take more time off.
After One or Two Days Following a Tooth Extraction
Most of the healing will occur in the first two days after a tooth extraction procedure. Therefore, it’s essential to take special oral care during this time.
You can expect slight bleeding and stiffness at the extraction site. It’s not out of place.
Three Days After Teeth Extraction
After around three days, the empty tooth socket should have healed. There ought to be no more bleeding and only minimal swelling at this point. There may be some lingering tightness or soreness, but no actual pain or discomfort.
7 Days After Teeth Extraction
After 7-10 days, your clot should have developed completely. Non-dissolving sutures will be taken out too. But some sutures will disintegrate on their own if they’re dissolving stitches.
However, call your dentist if you’re still suffering pain or bleeding after this time has passed. They may need to schedule you for an emergency check-up.
About 2 Weeks After Having a Tooth Extracted
After about a fortnight, the sockets will be nearly completely healed. However, you may still feel some tooth extraction healing effects. The area around the extraction site is likely fragile and sensitive.
There’s still a chance of infection or harming the newly produced gum tissue even after your socket is nearly healed. Therefore, you shouldn’t brush this tissue too hard or chew on it too much. It could irritate the extraction site.
Tooth Extraction After Three Weeks
In around three to four weeks, the wound will have healed completely. However, you can expect a bit of sensitivity at the extraction site. But it won’t cause you any severe pain or bleeding.
Now, your tooth extraction process is complete. But you must take good care of the empty socket by brushing, flossing, and rinsing it as needed. These measures will keep your teeth free of food and other debris.
Related Article: 5 Different Types of Tooth Restoration
What to Do to Recover from Tooth Extraction Surgery
Knowing how long it’ll take for tooth extraction recovery is one thing. Planning for the process is the most important. The following are aftercare tips for tooth extraction.
Heed The Counsel of Your Dentist
Listening to and following your dentist’s post-extraction instructions is one of the most important things you can do. It ensures a speedy and successful recovery from tooth extraction surgery.
Follow your dentist’s instructions about what you should and shouldn’t eat for a set period. If your doctor orders you to rest for two days, you should make preparations to ensure you won’t have to do any strenuous physical activity or lifting during that time.
Entertain no Bleeding
Tooth extraction surgery can occasionally cause bleeding and edema. And this can happen during and after the process.
When injured, some people bleed more readily than others. If you’re in the former group, it’s crucial to adhere to the post-extraction bleeding instructions your dentist provides.
You will be given a gauze pack to stop bleeding following any extraction procedure. And you’ll be required to bite down gently on it.
You should consult your dentist or medical practitioner if you frequently need to replace the gauze. Please don’t hesitate to make the call if heavy bleeding persists for more than 24 hours.
Avoid Chewing On Anything Tough
You should acclimate to eating soft, chilled meals to ease post-extraction pain and discomfort. Eat soft, digestible foods like oats, soup, smoothies, and risotto. Avoid hard and crunchy edibles.
Lay in Resting Position with Your Head Held Slightly Above
Resting with your head raised for at least 24 hours is another aftercare tip for tooth extraction. The body repairs itself via sleep, and keeping the head elevated makes it easier to control bleeding after an extraction.
Related Article: How Do You Know You Need a Root Canal?
Final Thoughts
You can quickly determine how long it takes for tooth extraction to heal after some deductions. And one of such is the tooth’s location.
Also, speaking to your dentist is crucial to determining how long it’ll take for you to heal. In addition, don’t let anyone scare you about the process. Tooth extraction can be a comfortable, simple procedure if you engage professional dental clinics like ours.
At Osmine Denture, our tooth extraction treatment services impeccably stand out in Ontario. We treat you with empathy and ensure your dental care is well attended. Speak to us today!
