How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Tooth Extraction?

How Long Does It Take to Recover from a Tooth Extraction?

Aug 01, 2022

While permanent teeth should last forever, sometimes tooth loss is inevitable. For instance, your dentist can recommend tooth extraction due to severe tooth decay, dental trauma, periodontal disease, impaction, and tooth overcrowding. Similarly, tooth extraction is necessary to remove baby teeth to allow the adult teeth to grow.

Regardless of your reason for tooth extraction, you might be wondering how long it will take to heal and recover from the procedure. Let’s learn more about tooth extraction recovery and how to speed up your recovery. Contact our dentist for tooth extraction in Westwood, MA.

How Long Does Tooth Extraction Recovery Take?

Having a tooth pulled out is something most of us have experienced. But one thing is for sure, we all want to recover as soon as possible and return to our routine. Following a tooth extraction, minor side effects like pain or swelling should fade away within a few days. However, it takes about one to three months for the bone and gum tissues to heal completely.

Generally, how long it will take to recover from a tooth extraction depends on several factors like:

  • Type of extraction procedure. There are two types of dental extraction procedures – simple and surgical extraction. A simple extraction removes a tooth that’s visible in the mouth. If your tooth is broken or trapped within the gums and jawbone, surgical extraction is necessary to extract the tooth. Since simple extraction does not require surgical intervention, healing and recovery are much faster than surgical extraction.
  • Patient’s oral and overall health. Good overall health is essential for quick recovery. Patients with existing oral issues like gum disease and diabetes may take longer to recover from a tooth extraction. Make sure you seek treatment for existing oral and health issues to promote faster recovery.
  • Patient’s compliance with aftercare instructions. After the extraction, your dentist or surgeon will give you a few aftercare instructions to promote faster recovery and prevent post-treatment complications. Follow your dentist’s instructions strictly to avoid complications and reduce recovery time.

Tips to Promote Faster Recovery After Tooth Extraction

For the next 48 – 72 hours after tooth extraction:

  • Take medication as prescribed by your dentist.
  • Bite in the gauze to control bleeding. You can change and remove it as needed.
  • Rest adequately. Completely avoid physical activities like exercises and dancing.
  • Keep your head elevated when sleeping.
  • Avoid rinsing, spitting, or sucking as it can dislodge the clot.
  • Brush and floss gently around the extraction area.
  • Take a soft food diet like eggs, yogurt, and soups.
  • Avoid extremely hot, acidic, hard, or crunchy items.
  • Avoid tobacco and alcoholic products. Smoking and drinking alcohol will likely delay wound healing and make you vulnerable to dry sockets, infections, and other complications.
  • Avoid blowing your nose or sneezing vigorously.
  • Use an ice pack to manage pain and swelling.

When to Call your Dentist

While rare, some patients may experience complications after tooth extraction. Contact your dentist or call our dentist in Westwood, MA, if you experience the following symptoms:

  • Pain worsens or persists more than normal
  • Worsening swelling
  • Blood does not clot, and bleeding persists, also known as a dry socket
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • High fever
  • Drainage around the extraction area
  • Bad taste or breath

Replacing teeth after extraction

If you’ve lost a tooth due to dental trauma, decay, or gum disease, replacing it as soon as possible is essential. Missing teeth can lead to serious health issues like jawbone deterioration, shifting of the adjacent teeth, impaired speech, and a change in a bite.

You can use dental implants, bridges, and dentures to replace the lost teeth. Replacing lost teeth will improve your facial appearance and self-confidence. Similarly, it preserves your jawbone health, keeps your adjacent teeth in position, and improves your bite and speech function.

Schedule an Appointment Today

For more information about tooth extraction procedures and recovery, contact Westwood Dental Group- formerly the office of Dr. Donald J. McLellan.

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