Tooth Extraction Healing Stages
Most people throughout their lifetime will need a tooth extraction and will need to go through the tooth extraction healing stages. Your dental professional has several tools and practices to make the process easy and comfortable.
This article will outline the tooth extraction healing stages and provide you with the tools and resources you need in order to heal quickly, including tips for preparing for a tooth extraction.
Table of Contents
Tooth Extraction Healing Stages: Why You Might Need a Tooth Extraction
The tooth extraction healing stages can differ depending on why you need the tooth extraction in the first place. The day by day tooth extraction healing stages will change based on severity.
Tooth extraction stages of healing will depending on the following examples of why you would need a tooth extracted:
- Extensive Tooth Decay: Left untreated, a cavity will continue to spread to the tooth’s nerve. If a root canal is not a viable option, then extraction is needed to get the infection out of your body.
- Tooth Breakage: Fracturing can occur from cavities or trauma. There are many restorative options to help with a tooth fracture. If there isn’t enough tooth structure left to restore, then extraction is needed to prevent infection.
- Gum Disease: Advance gum disease will destroy the gum tissue, ligaments, and supporting bone. This will cause the tooth to become mobile, cause sensitivity, and increase infection risk. Learn more with our Treating Gum Disease article.
- Overcrowding: Space issues may prompt your orthodontist to electively remove certain teeth.
- Impacted Teeth: Your dentist may recommend removing teeth that are stuck in your jaw bone. Impacted teeth can cause pain, permanent nerve damage, become cystic, and destroy the neighboring tooth and bone.
Preparing for an Extraction and the Tooth Extraction Stages of Healing
Preparing for a tooth extraction is a simple process that involves visiting your dentist for an initial examination. In addition to the preparation work, it’s helpful to have a good understanding of the tooth extraction healing stages as well.
Here are the steps your dentist will take in order to prepare you for a tooth extraction:
- Diagnosis: Each tooth in your smile is unique. Your dentist needs to identify the reason for a tooth extraction. The reason why a tooth needs to be extracted can affect the tooth extraction healing stages.
- Dental X-Rays: Whether the tooth is being extracted due to complications or proactively, it’s important to get up-to-date radiographs to see the whole picture of the tooth and the area surrounding it.
- Vitality Testing: Along with x-rays, your dentist will test the condition of the tooth. A Percussion Test is tapping on the tooth to test the vibrations reaching the nerve. An Electric Pulp Test uses a small electrical current to test the nerve reaction. Thermal testing involves using hot or cold stimuli to test the nerve reaction.
- Referral to a Specialist: Depending on the condition or the location of your tooth, your dentist may refer you to an Oral Surgeon.
- Consultation / Treatment Plan: Your Oral Surgeon will go over what to expect at the extraction appointment and go over the tooth extraction healing stages. It’s important to share your full medical history and any concerns with your doctor.
Talk to your dental professional about options for after your tooth has been extracted. One way to address losing a tooth prematurely is using braces. Check out our latest article about Using Braces with Missing Teeth.
Day by Day Tooth Extraction Healing Stages
A tooth extraction is a fairly common dental procedure, but it’s one that can take some time to recover from which can be understood by learning the tooth extraction stages of healing.
The day by day tooth extraction healing stages can vary from person to person, and there are a number of factors that can affect how quickly you heal.
One of the most important things to do is to follow your dentist’s instructions for post-operative care. Following your dentist’s instruction will play a vital roll in your tooth extraction healing stages.
This may include the following:
- using a special mouthwash
- avoiding hard or crunchy foods
- keeping the extraction site clean
- get plenty of rest
- eat a healthy diet
- stay hydrated
These simple tips can help you heal more quickly and reduce your risk of complications.
For more tips to prepare for a tooth extraction, check out our After Tooth Extraction Guide.
The First 24 Hours
The blood clot will begin to form. Some pain and discomfort are expected. Change the gauze as necessary, get ample rest, and keep your head elevated. It is normal to see some blood on the pillow. Facial swelling will peak around the 24-hour mark.
Use cold compresses as needed for 10-20 minutes. Avoid using straws to prevent a dry socket and only eat a soft food diet.
24 to 48 Hours After
This is when the body does the bulk of the healing. Some bleeding is still common during this time. Swelling and discomfort may still be present.
The jaw and facial muscles may also be stiff making them hard to fully open. Continue to avoid using straws and only eat a soft food diet.
72 Hours After
The gum tissue will begin to close around the extraction site. Saltwater rinses can help soothe and promote healing. Maintain good oral hygiene in the rest of the mouth.
Continue a soft food diet but introduce other foods slowly. Avoid any seeds, nuts, and other foods that will irritate the extraction site.
7 to 14 Days After
Nearing the end of the healing stages, the hole will continue to close. You can gently start brushing the area with soft bristles but you may want to avoid toothpaste if it’s still sensitive.
After Tooth Extraction Healing Process
After the first 2 weeks you should start feeling back to normal. It might take a few months for the hole to fully close, but that is very common. Continue to keep the area clean and you should be able to heal without any complications.
If you experience any complications, contact your dentist or oral surgeon right away. They will be best suited to walk you though any questions you have regarding the tooth extraction stages of healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my tooth extraction is healing properly?
You will know if your tooth extraction site is healing correctly if you’re following the above tooth extraction healing stages. Continued decreased pain, bleeding, and swelling are all signs of healing. Reach out to your doctor with any questions or concerns.
How long does it take for the hole to close after a tooth extraction?
The gum tissue will start to close up around the extraction site 72 hours after surgery. The bone will start to heal around a week after surgery but is a slow process. Depending on what tooth was extracted and the condition, healing can take around 4-6 months and possibly longer.
What are the signs of infection after tooth extraction?
Signs of an infection could be significant continual bleeding after 24 hours, foul breath, a bitter taste, swollen glands in the neck, and increased visibly swollen jaw. Contact your dental professional with any concerns, especially if swelling continues to increase.
When can I stop worrying about dry socket?
Your risk of dry socket starts to go down after 3 days but can be a risk up to 7 days. Avoid using a straw and suction during this time. Wait at least 3-4 days until smoking. Consult your dental professional with any concerns about dry socket. Here is a study about the factors that contribute to dry sockets.
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