How Long Does Tooth Extraction Recovery Take?
What is a Tooth Extraction?
A tooth extraction is done for several reasons impacted, meaning it is stuck in the jaw and cannot erupt through the gum. Other reasons for needing an extraction include crowding, infection, or injury to the tooth.
Tooth removal can be simple or complex, depending on the visibility of the tooth. The dentist will open the gums to expose the tooth and then use special instruments to remove it.
Recovery from a simple extraction takes a few days, but swelling and pain may occur after your procedure.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction
There are several reasons to get tooth extraction in Brooklin, ON; these can include:
- The tooth is severely decayed or damaged and cannot be repaired.
- The tooth is causing crowding in the mouth and needs to be removed to make room for orthodontic treatment.
- The tooth is impacted, meaning it has not come through the gum line correctly and is causing pain or other problems.
Preparation and Procedure of Tooth Extraction
Your dentist in Brooklin will open the gum tissue to expose the tooth that needs to be extracted. Once the tooth is exposed, your dentist will use tools to loosen it from the bone and remove it with forceps. Finally, your dentist will close the incision with stitches and place gauze over the extraction site to help stop bleeding.
The whole extraction process usually takes about 30 minutes. However, if you have multiple teeth extracted, it may take longer.
Recovery Timeframe After a Tooth Extraction
Immediately following your tooth extraction, you’ll likely feel numbness in your mouth as the local anesthesia wears off. You may also experience gum bleeding where your tooth was removed, which is normal.
After about 48 hours, most people will start to feel better and be able to resume normal activities. However, it’s still important to avoid chewing on the side of the mouth and hard or crunchy foods. A soft food diet is recommended until the socket has fully healed.
It’s crucial to stick to soft foods and avoid biting down too hard on the area where the tooth was extracted.
The healing timeline can vary from person to person, but it takes about two weeks for the socket to heal fully.
During this time, it’s important to take good care of your oral hygiene by gently brushing and rinsing your mouth with warm saline water to keep the area clean.
It’s also important to remember that everyone’s healing process is different, so keep going if your healing timeline seems longer than others.
Post-operative Care Instructions
Tooth extraction is done when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed. Following the post-operative care instructions is vital to ensure a speedy recovery. The dentist will provide gauze pads to control bleeding, which should be changed every 30 minutes until the bleeding stops.
Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling. It is also important to avoid smoking, using a straw, or spitting, as this can break the blood clot. For the first 24 hours, stick to liquid or soft foods and avoid hot, spicy, or crunchy foods.
After 24 hours, you can eat more solid foods but still avoid chewing on the side where the tooth was extracted. Ensure to continue brushing and flossing, careful not to disturb the extraction site. Finally, attend any follow-up appointments with your dentist to ensure proper healing.
Ensure to take any prescribed pain medication as directed. You may also find over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen helpful.
Complications Associated with Tooth Extractions
A dry socket can be extremely painful and may require special dressing. Other complications include infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding teeth. If you experience severe bleeding and dry socket, visit a dental office near you.
Conclusion
While recovering from a tooth extraction may not be the most pleasant experience, following the proper guidelines and caring for yourself can help ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
Don’t hesitate to contact Brooklin Family Dentistry with questions about the recovery process.