How Long Does It Take To Recover From A Tooth Extraction?

It is natural to be concerned about how long it takes to heal after tooth extraction. If it is your first time, you should know the affected area’s healing time would depend on several factors. One is the type of tooth, location, and body recovery abilities. However, this should not deter you. Having the right recovery tips comes in handy during the recovery process. If you have a tooth that needs to be extracted, visit us at Dental Arts New Port Richey. We will be there to guide you all the way.

How Long Does It Take To Recover From an Extraction?

The healing process of an extracted tooth is different for every individual process. Some will experience minimal discomfort while others a severe one. The following is what to expect after tooth extraction in New Port Richey.

During the first 24 hours after the procedure, blood clots will form, and the sutures will aid in the healing process. As a result, you will likely experience pain and bleeding. The dentist will prescribe you some painkillers for the pain.

The first two days after the procedure, a lot of attention is required on the extraction site. This is when your mouth is going through intense healing.

On the third day, the socket will have mostly healed. You should expect soreness and tenderness at this stage.

A week after the extraction, the clot is fully formed. If the stitches used are non-dissolving, you will have to visit our dental office near you to have them removed.

After 14 days, the sockets are virtually healed. At this point, the tissue is sensitive and tender. However, there is still the risk of getting an infection or damaging the new gum tissue. Therefore, do not chew near the extraction site.

Three to four weeks after the extraction, the healing is complete. Maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing properly. Ensure that food particles do not accumulate on the socket. You can now visit our dentist in 34653 to discuss how you can cover up the missing tooth gap.

Recovery Tips for Extractions

Now that we have discussed the recovery timeline. Below are tips on how one can recover.

1. Maintain The Recommend Oral Hygiene

According to Dr. Mitul Patel, one should avoid tampering with the extraction site. That includes flossing and brushing for about one to two days after the procedure. However, that does not give you the option of not brushing or flossing the rest of your teeth. Rinse your mouth using salty warm water to prevent infection and remove food particles from the extraction site. Then, with a gentle motion, swish the solution in your mouth after every meal. If you have to use a mouthwash, avoid alcohol-based ones to avoid irritating the tooth socket.

2. Cold Therapy

Excessive swelling can affect the healing process. However, one can manage swelling by doing cold therapy. Our dentist near you recommends placing an ice pack on the affected side at intervals of 15 minutes. The cold will help slow the blood flow to reduce swelling and discomfort and numb the area. Cold therapy is often effective during the first 48 hours.

3. Stop The Bleeding

After the extraction procedure, one can always expect some bleeding. Some people will bleed more than others will. To manage this, place a sterile surgical gauze on the bleeding area. The gauze is to be changed frequently. After 24 hours, if you are still bleeding heavily, contact our emergency dentist near you.

4. Avoid Hard or Chewy Foods

For the next few days after treatment, you will have to adjust your diet. Your new diet should involve soft and cool foods to help manage discomfort and pain. You can start with foods like applesauce, yogurt, or pudding on the first day. Afterward, you can include mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, pancakes, or broth soup foods.

Our dentist in New Port Richey recommends avoiding alcoholic beverages for at least the first 24 hours after the treatment. If you are on a heavy prescription, you should put off the alcohol until you are done with your prescription. Also, do away with chewy or hard food substances such as nuts, candies, or popcorn for a week.

5. Get Enough Rest and Elevate Your Head

Getting enough rest after the procedure will help speed up the healing process. Avoid any heavy activities for the first two days. While laying down, elevate your head using extra pillows. This helps your blood clot by preventing blood from rushing to the wound.