Tooth extraction is the solution for dental issues like a damaged tooth, tooth decay, crowded teeth, and periodontal disease. Dentists or oral surgeons perform this task after local anesthetic injection to numb the area. How long does it take to heal after tooth extraction? The exact recovery period depends on a few factors, including the dental health of a patient, and size and location of the tooth, and the difficulty of extraction. How a patient follows the aftercare instructions also makes an impact on the healing process.
Learn about two types of tooth extractions
Dentists perform two types of tooth extractions, simple extraction, and surgical extraction. The simple extraction is the most popular choice to remove premolar, first & second molars, canine teeth, and incisors. Surgical extractions are performed to remove teeth located within the jawbones and gums, such as wisdom teeth. The recovery process of simple extractions is much faster than surgical extractions.
What to expect during the next 24 hours after a tooth extraction?
Your dental surgeon will send you home after the extraction. You need to follow the exact guidelines to make the healing and recovery optimally effective. Most people can expect some bleeding for around 24 hours after the procedure. Dentists always advise patients not to disturb the blood clot in the socket. It offers the best protection against complications such as dry sockets. So maintaining blood clots is a critical part of aftercare.
Rest for 24 to 48 hours or a week as advised by your dentist
You may experience mild pain for a few days. It will subside in two to three days. The recovery process for a simple extraction is brief. You are asked to rest for 24 hours after removing the tooth. It is necessary to leave the first gauze in your mouth for a few hours. It encourages clot formation. You can change the gauze whenever younenquired. You can start performing normal activities after 24 to 48 hours based on the speed of recovery.
If your tooth is removed through surgical extraction, you are often advised to rest for 48 to 72 hours. Dentists ask patients to limit their physical activity for a week to make the healing process more effective.
Important things to consider during the healing phase
How to heal after tooth extraction faster? You must avoid rinsing, gargling, or swishing for a couple of days. Dentists advise patients not to brush the site where the tooth was extracted. These actions make a negative impact on the clot formation to delay the healing time. You should also stay away from using straws. By creating pressure on the wound, straws dislodge the blood coat.
Constant spitting is another activity that creates unwanted pressure on the wound. Don’t consume hot liquids and alcohol immediately after the extraction. Blood thinners, specific medications, and smoking always delay your recovery process. If you experience any swelling or pain, you can use a cold, compress or prescribed medication, as directed by the dentist. Applying an ice pack or a towel-wrapped bag of ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time also helps you prevent swelling.
When it comes to sleeping for the first few days, your head should be kept in an elevated position. This method helps you prevent bleeding. Avoid sneezing and blowing your nose, especially if a tooth was removed from the upper half of the mouth. As you sneeze frequently, head pressure builds up and creates a negative impact on blood clot formation.
Dental surgeons often recommend some prescription medications for wisdom tooth extractions or other types of complex procedures. If your dentist orders prescription medications, you must follow their advice carefully to ensure a safe and fast healing process. .
Development of granulation issues and follow-up appointments
The formation of granulation tissues occurs after about a week to ten days. It safeguards the extraction site until the proper development of the bone. Dental surgeons ask their patients to make a follow-up appointment after two weeks. They will evaluate your healing progress and offer the necessary advice to make your recovery fast and successful.
How long does it take to heal after tooth extraction? Let us analyze the recovery time required for single-rooted teeth, multiple-rooted teeth, and wisdom teeth extractions.
Healing time needed for small or single-rooted teeth
How long does it take to heal after tooth extraction that is less complicated? If your dentist extracts a tiny tooth or one with a single root, the hole and extraction area will start healing within a week. You can expect the recovery process to last for one or two weeks based on your dental health. After two weeks, you can eat food more comfortably.
Recovery time needed for large multiple-rooted teeth
When you extract a tooth with more than a single root, the recovery process will be slightly longer. This type of extraction needs at least three weeks to heal completely. Soft tissue healing in some patients may take 4 weeks. However, you cannot expect the hole to disappear during this period. Most people have to wait for a few months for the socket or hole to close.
How much heal time is required for wisdom teeth extractions?
As an impacted tooth, Wisdom tooth extraction is a more complex procedure than other types of extractions. Dentists use surgical extraction to get the job done safely. The recovery process involves the healing of gum tissue and jawbone. Naturally, the healing time will be a bit longer. You may need to wait around six weeks for a complete recovery.
How long does it take to heal after tooth extraction? There is no one-size-fits-all solution. The healing period depends on a few factors, including the size of the wound, the location of the tooth, the healing capacity of each individual, and the existing dental health. If you want to recover fast, you must follow the aftercare guidelines of the dentist with 100% discipline.
When it comes to choosing a dentist for tooth extraction, you must hire an experienced professional with an excellent track record. With the help of the most advanced technology and tools, accomplished professionals get the job done efficiently, responsibly to make your healing process smooth and fast.