Tooth Extraction Healing Timeline: What to Expect!

By the time you reach middle age, chances are, you’re going to be missing multiple teeth. A recent study conducted by Brazilian doctors revealed that missing teeth and the need for prosthetic use significantly increases after the age of 44.

People need a tooth extraction for many reasons. The reasons range from simple tooth decay to crowded teeth. If this is your first experience with tooth extraction, you need to be in safe hands. Dr. Philippe Jean has performed hundreds of routine tooth extraction procedures over the years.

If you want to know how much time you’ll need to heal, Lifestyle Dental Care has the answer.

Tooth Extraction Healing Time

It is impossible to predict exactly how long it will take an extraction site to heal. However, you can expect to experience slight pain for the first 24 hours after getting a tooth removed. The wound should heal within 7 days on its own, but don’t be surprised if it takes up to 10 days. 

Unfortunately, pain and bleeding are normal during the first 3 days. Don’t be afraid if you find some blood in your saliva during those days. There’s nothing to be afraid of. You can lessen the bleeding by firmly placing a piece of gauze near the implant.

Healing Stages of Tooth Extraction

Below, you can find some of the general post-extraction symptoms you may feel in the days following the procedure and tips on how to handle them:

The First Day

Get plenty of sleep, change the compression gauze as needed after a few hours, and keep it in place with minimal pressure. Avoid using any tobacco products or over-the-counter pain medication. Keep cold compresses for 15 minutes every hour and keep your head elevated.

The First Week

You can keep your mouth free of bacteria by rinsing your mouth with salt water or over-the-counter saline rinse. Alternate between swishing and spitting the water out. This will ensure that you still keep a good dental cleansing routine, without brushing or flossing, which can hurt your gums while they’re healing. Also, avoid eating crunchy food. 

The Second Week

After 10 or so days, you should schedule a post-op visit with your Margate dentist so you can see how the procedure went. If the dentist notices that you’re not healing properly, they'll be able to give you a proper treatment right away. 

What To Do and Not To Do After Tooth Extraction

The spot where the extracted tooth was should be kept free of touch. You don't want to disturb the clot that formed around that spot. Messing with the wound can take up precious healing time and increase the risk of developing an infection.

Here's what to do and what to avoid, following a tooth extraction procedure:

• Change your gauze frequently to avoid dry socket
• Don't rinse your mouth, drink through a straw, or smoke
• Avoid spitting, sneezing, or even blowing your nose too hard
• For the first 24 hours get plenty of rest and sleep with an elevated head

Need Tooth Extraction? Come and Visit Lifestyle Dental Care Today!

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jean at Lifestyle Dental Care if you want to know more about the procedure. Just give us a call at (954) 669-1313 or contact us online and we'll schedule you an appointment. At your appointment, Dr. Jean will discuss your tooth extraction, talk about healing time, and give you instructions on how to handle oral hygiene and speed up the process.