How Long Does Surgical Extraction Take to Heal?
A surgical tooth extraction is not something that heals quickly; you go through several stages of recovery. While all involved in the process might expect it to be simple, it’s important to be realistic when considering how long it will take for the area to close up completely. However, the healing time varies depending on a few factors: such as the complexity of extraction, your general health and compliance with post extraction care.
The First 24 Hours
A surgical extraction has critical clot formation occurring in its first 24 hours. Just after the tooth is out and a blood clot will form in the socket to guard the bone and nerves under it. The formation of this clot is important to prevent a complication called dry socket. During this time the body will naturally begin to seal over the area and can result in some minor swelling or discomfort.
During these first 24 hours, you need to follow all the aftercare instructions from the dentist. This might consist of not engaging in strenuous activity, not using straws, and not smoking, as all these can dislodge the clot, and make healing more difficult.
Days 2 to 3: Swelling and Discomfort
Swelling at the extraction site may occur over the next two to three days. This is a part of normal healing and usually treated with over the counter pain relievers and cold compresses. The swelling usually peaks by day two or three and then goes down. Throughout this period, you will experience mild to moderate discomfort and it should decrease.
After the third day, most people begin to feel better with decreased swelling and less pain. But still, take care while eating or drinking, and do not put too much pressure on the area which helps healing smoothly.
Week 1: Tissue Healing
Soft tissues around the extraction site will begin to regenerate within the first week. Gums around the empty socket will start to close. By this point, any placed stitches will dissolve on their own or be removed at a follow up appointment.
At this time, you need to be maintaining your good oral hygiene habits of brushing and flossing, but you will need to take precaution around the healing site. To avoid any food particles from getting stuck or bacteria in your mouth causing infections in your wound, you will gently rinse your mouth with salt water.
Weeks 2 to 6: Full Healing & Complete Progress
After two or three weeks there can be significant progress in healing. It will take the time for the new gum tissue to get firmer and the empty socket should start to close or even completely close. By now, you'll be feeling good, but watch out for crunchy or chewy foods that could irritate the site. If the site is not completely closed, then you should take care to ensure that food from your meals does not get stuck in your extraction site.
Complete healing from your surgery should happen by weeks 4 to 6 with some of the harder tissues taking longer time to heal fully. Any disrupted bone tissue can take up to six months to recover completely.