How Long Does Simple Extraction Take to Heal?
Dentists use tooth extraction as a method of helping their patients reduce the overall risk of oral health complications such as infection, pain, and inflammation. Recovery and healing following tooth extraction typically require a little over a week for the gum tissue to close and the pain and swelling to subside. If your procedure includes removal or manipulation of the underlying jawbone, you may need three to six months before you are fully healed.
If you need a tooth pulled, your dentist will proceed with one of two main types of dental extraction:
1. Simple extraction is removing teeth that can be seen and are easily accessible. Your dentist will administer a local anesthetic to numb the affected area around your tooth and to reduce pain caused by the procedure.
2. Surgical extraction requires an incision into the mouth tissue to gain access to the tooth to be removed, especially if you have impacted wisdom teeth. Your dentist or oral surgeon will use a general anesthetic, meaning you will be temporarily unconscious during the surgery.
Simple tooth extractions are preferred because they are an easier procedure for a dentist to complete, and because associated risks and adverse effects for patients are typically reduced when compared with surgical tooth extractions. A simple tooth extraction is always carried out if the tooth is accessible. Surgical extraction is the only feasible approach for teeth that are not visible or easily accessible.
What Should I Expect After Surgery?
Though it varies by person, the typical recovery process involves the following steps:
- In the first 24 hours, a protective blood clot must form at the surgery site. Some bleeding and swelling are normal. To prevent dislodging the clot, avoid spitting, smoking, or using drinking straws.
- For one to three days, eat only soft foods, avoid hot and overly spicy foods, and use warm saltwater to gently rinse the surgery site and keep it clean.
- During days four to seven, your gum tissue will begin healing and closing the socket. You can eat firmer foods, making sure to chew on the side opposite the extraction.
- In two to four weeks, your gums will completely regenerate and close over the gap at the extraction site. Any lingering discomfort usually disappears.
- By three to six months, your extraction site and jawbone should have returned to normal.
Follow all pre- and post-operative instructions your dentist provides so you have a safe procedure and comfortable recovery. Contact your dentist as soon as possible if you experience a sudden or severe increase in mouth pain; bleeding that persists for eight hours or more; or if you have a fever, chills, or visible, yellowish discharge around the extraction site.
Quality Care and Proper Oral Health
The primary goal for you and your dentist should always be preventing more serious oral health issues, which can result if you delay important procedures. If you have mouth pain and difficulty eating, that might be related to the need for a possible tooth extraction. See your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further risk to your oral health. He or she will recommend appropriate treatment to meet your individual needs.
Also, see your dentist every six months for regular checkups—an important step in maintaining good oral health.
Related Article: Simple Extraction Steps