Are you planning to undergo a tooth extraction procedure? Major dental procedures like this can seem daunting and overwhelming, but they are vital to oral health.
Chances are, you might be curious about the healing and recovery process. If this is the case, you are not alone. Many people experience anxiety surrounding what comes next. We have compiled a comprehensive guide to tooth extraction healing timelines.
What Is the Typical Healing Timeline?
The healing process can involve several stages. Here is a timeline of what to expect and how long it will take for your mouth to heal after tooth extraction:
Day 1: Immediately After Tooth Extraction
You will likely feel some pain and discomfort after your tooth is extracted. Your dentist will give you a gauze pad to bite on to help stop the bleeding. You should bite down on the gauze for about 30 minutes. Once the bleeding has stopped, you can remove the gauze.
To reduce swelling, put an ice pack on your cheek for 15 minutes at a time. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to help alleviate the discomfort.
Days 2-3: Recovery Continues
The pain and swelling should go down within 2-3 days. Continue taking over-the-counter medication and using ice packs as advised. Avoid drinking from a straw or smoking cigarettes, as this can delay healing and cause Dry Socket (a condition where the blood clot that forms in the socket after an extraction becomes dislodged).
Days 4-7: Back to Normal Activities
By day four or five, you should be feeling normal and able to return to your regular activities. Be sure to continue brushing and flossing your teeth as usual. Contact your dentist immediately if you experience pain or swelling during this period.
Days 7-14: Complete Recovery
You will have completely recovered by day 14. Regular checkups with your dentist will help ensure the extraction site has healed completely.
Post-Extraction Care Tips
Once your tooth has been extracted, it's important to care for the area to ensure proper healing. Here are some post-extraction care tips:
- Biting on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the procedure.
- Applying ice to the outside of your mouth for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day (this will help reduce swelling).
- Avoid smoking and using straws (these can cause dry sockets).
- Eating soft foods and avoiding hot drinks for the first 24 hours.
- Brushing your teeth gently around the extraction site (be careful not to irritate the area).
- Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse as directed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
Book an Appointment with the Dentists at North Billerica Smiles Today
Depending on each individual's age and overall health condition, healing times can vary from days to weeks. But by following your dentist's instructions carefully, you should achieve full recovery in no time.
When you book an appointment with North Billerica Smiles, our team will gather your dental history and any relevant information to help us understand your specific dental health needs. We will then work with you to determine the best treatment for your situation. Contact us online or call (978) 262-0023 to schedule an appointment with our dentists today.
