How Long Does a Surgical Extraction Take to Heal?
Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure done to remove a tooth that is damaged, decayed, or causing oral health issues. While the process may seem intimidating, understanding the healing and recovery process will alleviate those concerns.
What Is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extractions are a common and frequent procedure performed by dental professionals. They are the removing of a single tooth, or several teeth damaged from severe tooth decay, advanced gum disease, or an injury. Extractions can be either simple or surgical.
A simple extraction is done on a tooth visible above the gumline and performed under local anesthesia. A surgical extraction is more complex and might involve removing a broken tooth, a fractured tooth, or wisdom teeth that have not erupted through the gum tissue.
Why Are Tooth Extractions Needed?
The most common reason for extracting a tooth is from severe damage or decay that cannot be corrected. There are other reasons why tooth extractions are needed, including:
- Tooth Decay- This is the most common reason. When decay reaches the center of the tooth, which is the pulp, the bacteria produced will cause an infection. If this infection is too severe to be treated with a root canal, the tooth will need to be extracted.
- Gum Disease- Gum disease, or periodontal disease, can damage the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth, leading to tooth extraction.
- Overcrowded Teeth- Dentists sometimes pull teeth to prepare the mouth for orthodontics. The goal is to properly align the teeth, which might not be possible if your teeth are too big for your mouth.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth- Impacted teeth, quite often wisdom teeth, are those that have failed to emerge, causing pain, inflammation, and infection, and will need to be removed.
- Tooth Breakage or Trauma- Accidents, sports injuries, or falls can cause tooth damage. If the damage is beyond repair, the tooth will need to be extracted.
- Other Reasons- You may have a medical condition or are preparing for medical treatments that require tooth extraction. If you are undergoing chemotherapy or an organ transplantation you may need to have compromised teeth removed.
What Is the Normal Tooth Extraction Healing Time?
The tooth extraction recovery time will vary depending on several factors, including the complexity and your overall health. For a simple extraction, the recovery time will last about 7-10 days. The healing time can extend to 3-4 weeks for surgical extractions.
What to Expect During Recovery
During your recovery period, it is crucial to take proper care of the extraction site to ensure optimal healing. Here is a general timeline of recovery:
- Day 1- After the procedure, a gauze pad will be placed over the extraction site to control bleeding and help form a blood clot. Some pain and swelling are normal. Appling a cold compress to the area will help reduce these symptoms. It is best to stick to soft foods and lukewarm liquids on the first day.
- Days 2-3- Swelling often peaks around the second or third day. Begin gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water after meals to clean out food particles. Keep eating soft and easy-to-chew foods.
- Days 4-7- As healing progresses, you can gradually return to a normal diet. By the end of the first week, the soft tissue will be closing up, and any stitches can be removed.
- Weeks 2-4- The bone begins to heal and fill in the area where the tooth was.
- Weeks 4 Onwards- Complete healing of the area usually takes 3-4 weeks, especially if it was a surgical extraction.