How Long Does Tooth Extraction Recovery Take?

What is Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction near you can be necessary because of several reasons, including:

• The tooth has become badly decayed or broken
• The tooth is too close to other teeth, causing problems with chewing and biting
• You have an infection in the mouth that would be difficult to treat without removing the infected tooth
• Impacted teeth. The dentist may remove impacted teeth to ease pain and swelling and protect the jaws.

The dentist numbs the area with an injection of local anesthesia. This will prevent pain during and after the procedure. Next, he’ll insert a forceps tool into your mouth and grasp your tooth. He’ll twist and pull outwards until he’s pulled it from its socket in your jawbone.

Recovery time varies from person to person, but most people recover within one week (or less).

How Painful is a Tooth Extraction?

The amount of pain you experience at the time of a tooth extraction varies from person to person. Some people experience very little or no pain, while others may feel like a sword has stabbed them.

Painkillers are available, so if your dentist recommends them for you, then take them as soon as possible after having your tooth extracted.

What is the Recovery Time?

After tooth removal in Caro, you will need to care for your teeth to hasten the recovery process.

When you have a tooth extracted, it’s important to know what to expect in the first 48 hours afterward. Here is a detailed look at what happens in the first two days after tooth extraction:

• Day One:

Immediately after your tooth is extracted, a gauze pad will be placed over the empty socket to help stop the bleeding.

You will likely experience some pain and swelling after your tooth is extracted. To help with the pain, take over-the-counter pain medication as directed by your dentist or doctor. You can also apply an ice pack for 20 minutes to reduce swelling.

Blood in your saliva in the first 24 hours is normal. To clean the area, rinse your mouth gently with warm saline water several times daily. Avoid using straws, smoking, and drinking alcohol, as these can all delay healing and cause more bleeding.

• Day Two:

By day two, most of the pain and swelling should start to subside. Continue taking pain medication as needed. At this point, you can start brushing your teeth gently around the extraction site. Be sure to avoid scrubbing or using any force, as this could disrupt healing and cause more bleeding. If your dentist has prescribed antibiotics, continue taking them until they are gone.

• Day Three:

By day three, you should notice an improvement in pain and swelling. Still, continue to rinse with salt water several times daily and gently brush around the extraction site. If you bleed, apply pressure with a clean gauze pad. If you experience any pain or discomfort at this point, contact your dentist.

• Day Four:

By day four, you should be feeling much better and may not even need the pain meds any longer. If you still have some swelling and sensitivity around the extraction site, continue rinsing with salt water as needed and gently brushing around the area.

Do and Don’ts After Extraction?

• Avoid chewing on the surgical area.
•  You can eat soft foods, but avoid crunchy and hard foods like apples or popcorn until you get the all-clear from your dentist.
• Rinse with salt water if it hurts to swallow or feels uncomfortable. Doing this may help relieve some pain and swelling.
• If you have an infection after extraction, call your dentist immediately—they’ll prescribe antibiotics that fight bacteria in your mouth. -Don’t eat hard foods or chew gum.
• Don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or take any medications that contain aspirin for at least 24 hours after your extraction.
• Brush your teeth gently twice daily with an oscillating or sonic toothbrush to keep them clean and healthy.

Schedule an Appointment

Visit Thumbs Up Dental for more information about dental extractions and what to expect.