How Long Does a Tooth Extraction Take To Heal?

A tooth extraction is a common dental procedure, but the recovery process can raise a lot of questions. How long does it take to heal? What should you eat after surgery? And how do you avoid complications like a dry socket?

In this blog, we’ll break down the stages of healing, factors that affect recovery time, and tips to help you through the process.

What Is a Tooth Extraction?

A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Extractions can be necessary for several reasons, including:

• Severe tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Tooth damage due to trauma
• Overcrowding for orthodontic treatment
• Impacted wisdom teeth

There are two main types of extractions:

1. Simple extraction: This is performed on a tooth that’s visible in your mouth. Your dentist will use instruments to loosen the tooth before removing it.
2. Surgical extraction: For teeth that are impacted or not easily accessible (like wisdom teeth), surgery is required to remove the tooth. This often involves cutting through gum tissue and possibly removing bone around the tooth.

Each type of extraction has a different recovery process, but both need proper aftercare to ensure complete healing.

Factors That Influence Healing Time

Your healing time after a tooth extraction depends on several factors:

• Type of extraction: A simple extraction usually heals faster than a surgical one.
• Location of the tooth: Wisdom teeth and molars take longer to heal compared to front teeth.
• Your overall oral health: Pre-existing conditions like gum disease, periodontal disease, diabetes, and other health conditions can slow the healing process.
• Age and health: Younger individuals and those with good overall health typically recover faster.
• Aftercare: How carefully you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions will determine how well the healing process goes. 

Stages of Healing After a Tooth Extraction

The First 24 Hours

• Blood clot formation: The most critical part of the recovery process starts right after your tooth is removed. A blood clot forms in the empty socket, which is essential for healing.
• Pain and minor bleeding: Expect possibly minor bleeding and discomfort during this time. Applying cold compresses or ice packs can help reduce swelling, while pain medication will keep you comfortable.
• Avoid strenuous activity, hot drinks, using tobacco products, and sucking through a straw which can dislodge the clot and lead to a dry socket.

1-2 Weeks

• Gum tissue healing: Your gum tissue will start to close over the tooth socket. During this time, you may experience minor pain and tenderness, but this should gradually decrease.
• You’ll likely return to normal activity after the first week, but avoid physical activity that could disrupt healing.
• Stick to soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, and mashed potatoes to prevent irritating the extraction site.

3-4 Weeks

• Complete healing of soft tissue: By this point, your gum tissue should be mostly healed, but the underlying bone and tooth socket may still need time to recover fully.
• If you had a surgical extraction, like wisdom tooth surgery, this is the time when most people start feeling fully healed.
• If you feel something sharp in your gums or have persistent pain or discomfort at the extraction site, you may have developed a bone spicule. These require treatment by your dentist, so make sure you let them know right away.   

After 4 Weeks

• Full bone healing: It may take a few months for the bone underneath the extraction site to heal completely. During this time, you might still feel some sensitivity, especially when eating hard or crunchy foods.

Soft Foods To Eat After a Tooth Extraction

Stick to a soft food diet to avoid irritating the surgical site and to prevent food debris from getting stuck in the socket. Here are some options to keep you nourished while being gentle on your mouth:

• Mashed potatoes
• Scrambled eggs
• Yogurt
• Smoothies
• Applesauce
• Cottage cheese
• Pudding
• Ice cream (without chunks or crunchy toppings)
• Creamed soups
• Oatmeal
• Soft pasta (like mac and cheese)
• Cooked vegetables (carrots, squash)

Avoid crunchy foods like chips and crackers, as well as spicy foods and hot drinks, as these can delay the healing process.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery

To ensure a smooth recovery and minimize the risk of complications, follow these tips:

1. Keep the extraction site clean: Gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water 24 hours after the extraction to keep it clean and reduce the risk of infection.
2. Avoid disturbing the blood clot: Refrain from vigorous rinsing, drinking through straws, or smoking, as these can dislodge the clot and cause a dry socket.
3. Use ice packs: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for the first 24–48 hours to reduce swelling.
4. Take pain medication as prescribed: Over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers can help manage discomfort.
5. Follow your dentist’s recovery instructions: Adhere to the guidelines your dentist gives you, including when to return for a follow-up appointment.
6. Monitor for complications: If you experience intense pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of infection like a bad taste in your mouth or fever, contact your dentist immediately.

Power Road Dental Care: Your Trusted Dentist in Mesa, AZ.

Tooth extraction healing times vary from person-to-person. If you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions and prioritize good oral hygiene, you’ll be back to normal in no time! 

At Power Road Dental Care, we prioritize our patients comfort and wellbeing. We are here for you throughout the entire tooth extraction process, from the initial consultation to your final checkup. If you require a tooth extraction or are looking for a dentist accepting new patients, give us a call at (480) 664-1438 to schedule a consultation. 

Visit our dental office in Mesa at 2500 South Power Road, suite 102, Mesa, AZ. We look forward to meeting you!