How Long Does it Take to Recover from Tooth Extraction

Posted on 7/24/2023 by Pacific Maxillofacial Center

Dental diseases are the most common form of oral health problems caused by bacteria. Dental infections can lead to tooth loss and gum diseases. When dental problems are left untreated can become systemic, leading to other general health problems such as heart diseases. An infected tooth can be treated either by root canals, fillings, or tooth extraction.

Tooth extraction is ideal for dental trauma, wisdom teeth, and overcrowded teeth. This process can be done by cutting, suctioning, and pulling. Healing for a simple tooth extraction typically takes 3 to 4 weeks. Below are the stages of tooth healing after extraction.

First 24 hours

These first hours are the first hours of recovery and are very crucial as the blood clots in this stage. Blood clots are integral as they facilitate healing and protect the nerve tissue. Bleeding and swelling are expected after oral surgery, and you will be given gauze to bite for 30 minutes to stop the bleeding. You will also experience numbness from the anesthesia, so you should refrain from eating until it wears off.

24 - 48 Hours

Swelling peaks 2 to 3 days after tooth extraction; one can use cold compressors to reduce the swelling. You will also experience minimal bleeding, and thus, it is essential to change the gauze every 3 to 4 hours. To minimize discomfort and pain, you can pain relievers such as ibuprofen.

The Third Day

Within 72 hours of tooth extraction, most of the tooth socket is expected to be healed and the bleeding has stopped. There will be slight tenderness, but the swelling should have subsided.

Day Ten

This is expected to be the final hurdle of your healing journey unless the tooth extraction was complicated or involved wisdom teeth. In some cases, the healing can take up to 3 weeks but the hole left behind should be closed by now.

In summary, tooth loss or extraction is something that most dentists want to avoid unless necessary. It can take up to 3 weeks to heal fully, but this depends on the patient's needs. After tooth extraction, it is essential to maintain dental hygiene to prevent infection relapse.

Honolulu

1060 Young St #312
Honolulu, HI 96814-1604

Contact

Office: 808-585-8455
Email: Send us an Email

Office hours

Mon-Fri 8:00am to 5:00pm

Waipi'o

94-1221 Ka Uka Blvd #B-204
Waipahu, HI 96797

Contact

Office: 808-676-9560
Email: Send us an Email

Office hours

Mon-Fri 8:00am to 5:00pm

About Us
For Patients
Testimonials

Our Blog • Pacific Maxillofacial Center
At Pacific Maxillofacial Center the doctors cover dental subjects, that you and your family may be interested in. Call us today, we are located nearby Honolulu!
Pacific Maxillofacial Center, 1060 Young Street #312, Honolulu, HI 96814 ^ 808-585-8455 ^ pacificmaxcenter.com ^ 9/12/2024 ^ Page Keywords: Dental Implants Honolulu ^