How Long Does It Take to Recover From Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction in Auburn, WA, is no light matter. Tooth extractions are usually a nerve-wracking experience and are why most patients get cold feet when they think of undergoing the procedure. The reaction is quite normal since no one wishes to lose a tooth.
However, you may find it difficult to believe that, at times, coming to our dental clinic in Auburn, WA, for a tooth extraction could be the best move if you desire to improve your dental health. If you doubt this, you should look at some of the reasons our dentist may deem tooth extractions necessary:
- Damage to nearby teeth
- Tumors
- Gum disease
- Impaction
- Recurrent infection of the soft tissue
- Tooth decay
- Pain
- Crowded teeth
Now can you see why it may be necessary for your tooth to be extracted? But, you need not worry about the procedure since it is quick and pain-free since our dentist uses anesthesia. The challenge comes in during recovery.
Are you curious to know what happens during recovery? Read on.
After Tooth Extraction
Caring for your socket is the main goal during recovery. If you are cavalier about aftercare, then you can develop an infection.
In any case, after the extraction, you will experience soreness, pain, and discomfort. Plus, swelling of the gum and some bleeding usually occur after the tooth extraction.
During the initial two weeks after the extraction, you can experience:
- Blood clots that will begin forming within the first 24 hours post-surgery
- Swollen cheeks and mouth that will be around for about three days. However, this usually improves each day and can subside after a few days
- Some mild bruising of the cheek, which usually lasts for two weeks or so
- A stiff or sore jaw that should wear off within the first week
- Pain
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth
Peel your eyes for anything out of the norm, especially pain that worsens even after using pain medication or pain that persists after five days. Also, reach out to our dentist if you experience excessive bleeding.
You need to appreciate your uniqueness and so, your experience might not mirror someone else’s. But, always look for unusual signs. The most important thing about recovery is clot formation. This is the initial step, and if this doesn’t happen, you might develop complications.
How Long Will Your Socket Take to Heal?
Regardless of the type of tooth our dentist needs to extract, there are only two methods of extractions that determine how long your wound heals, and they are:
- Simple Extraction
Our dentist usually performs a simple extraction when the teeth are visible. In other words, the teeth have to be above the gum line. A simple extraction is usually done when you have severe decay or overcrowded teeth.
The procedure is quite fast and straightforward. Our dentist administers anesthesia and then pulls your tooth using forceps.
If the tooth that is being extracted has a single root, the wound will not be extensive, so healing will occur relatively fast. After five days or so, you should feel much better. However, complete healing should occur after two weeks.
However, if the tooth has multiple roots, the wound would be much larger and take almost three weeks for the socket to heal. Complete healing can take several weeks and is dependent on how you care for your socket. If you swipe your tongue after three weeks or so, you will feel an indentation at the extraction site, but the hole will be sealed.
- Surgical Extractions
Surgical extractions are a bit more complex, and the healing will take much longer than when you undergo a simple extraction. They are the best option when you have impacted teeth, have remnants of a tooth that broke off or have tooth fragments that remained under the gum line after a simple extraction.
In other words, surgical extractions are the most ideal when the tooth is not visible above the gum line. Due to the complexity of surgical extractions, the healing time will be much longer. Complete healing will take several months since the jaw bone and gums need to heal.
In any case, if you wish to speed up recovery, ensure that you protect your clot and care for the extraction site as per our dentist’s instructions. Also, remember that you need time to recover from tooth extractions, so take it easy and give your body time to heal.
You can contact us at Sunrise Dental of Auburn if you wish to undergo a tooth extraction.