If you have ever suffered from a toothache, you know that it can be a terrible experience to go through. In such situations, our priority is to preserve your natural teeth, but if the damage has extended too far, tooth extraction will be a better solution.
Upon hearing the term tooth extraction, many people hesitate to get treatment because they perceive it as painful. However, advancements in dental technology have made tooth extraction more comfortable.
Even so, you may feel slight pain or discomfort after the anesthesia wears off. To ensure proper recovery with minimal pain, we’ll share some tips to enhance the healing process.
Why Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
When a tooth has been damaged beyond repair, it can cause severe symptoms and may also threaten the health of other teeth. Tooth extraction can provide immediate pain relief and restore oral health. Issues that may necessitate tooth extraction include:
- Extensive tooth decay
- Dental infection
- Abscess
- Trauma/injury
- Impaction
- Supernumerary teeth
- Crowding
- Periodontal disease
Timeline of Normal Healing after Tooth Extraction
The healing process following a tooth extraction varies for different people. It depends on the type of tooth extraction, your health, oral hygiene, and other factors. Generally, post-extraction healing occurs in the following phases.
Initial 24 hours
This is the most sensitive period that requires serious precaution. After tooth removal, blood clots will form in the tooth socket to control bleeding. It is the first step toward healing.
You may feel slight pain, tenderness, or swelling during this period. To relieve these symptoms, we will prescribe medications for a smooth recovery.
One to Two Days Later
The pain may lessen during this period, but you may feel difficulty eating food. As the extraction site is still healing, it is better to chew food from the other side.
Three Days Later
By this time, the tooth socket will have healed normally. Pain should be minimal at this stage. However, you still may feel slight tenderness at the site.
One Week Later
In the case of a simple extraction, the extraction site should be partially healed at this stage. There should be no pain; you can eat normally by this period.
Surgical extraction may take longer to heal. We will remove sutures at this point and assess the recovery process.
2 weeks Later
A tooth socket after a simple extraction will fully heal after 14 to 15 days. If you feel pain or discomfort, visit our dentist to rule out the presence of a dry socket.
The surgical extraction site will partially heal by this period and may require two more weeks for a complete recovery.
Steps to Promote Post-Extraction Healing
- Avoid spitting, gargling, and using a straw for the first 24 hour.
- Avoid hot and spicy foods for a few days.
- Eat a soft diet, preferably at a cooler temperature.
- Keep your head elevated while lying down for at least 2 to 3 days.
- Rest well and avoid strenuous physical activities.
- Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saline water after the first day to promote healing.
For more information, visit Smile One Dental or call (713) 936-4062 to schedule a consultation.