How Long Does a Simple Extraction Take to Heal?
A tooth extraction is a rather simple and common procedure with minimal risk. You should still expect a normal recovery period, during when there might be some slight discomfort and difficulty with chewing.
Tooth Extraction Recovery and What You Can Expect
The tooth extraction recovery and healing process will vary depending on the location of the tooth in your mouth and the total number of teeth that are being extracted. There will be certain common recovery expectations you will have before the procedure begins. The tooth extraction recovery and the healing timeline will be fairly basic.
Simple Extraction Versus Surgical Extraction
It is best to understand the two distinct types of tooth extractions, which are a simple extraction and a surgical extraction. A simple extraction is most common when the tooth has completely and fully emerged through your gumline, and a surgical extraction could be required for a tooth that is either partially or entirely impacted under the surface of the gums or is structurally compromised due to decay or fractures.
The Recovery Timeline After a Tooth Extraction
The time it takes for you to recover from your tooth extraction will range from just a couple of days to more than a week, depending on the specific type of extraction and the number of teeth that will be removed. A simple extraction is considerably less invasive, so the recovery and healing time is quicker and faster. Usually, you will be able to make a healthy recovery close to nearly completely all the way within just two or three days. For a more invasive and difficult surgical extraction, it could take around a week, or even more, to reach a full and complete recovery. It can also take a few weeks for your gums to heal completely.
The Initial Symptoms After Your Tooth Extraction
The actual tooth extraction itself causes little or any discomfort because a local anesthesia is most often administered to the immediate area. After the procedure, there may be some discomfort in the affected area. The surrounding gums could also become swollen and tender. Any discomfort should be more than tolerable with mild pain medication and with the help of home remedies, like using a cold compress. If the pain or swelling persists past the first week or progresses and becomes intolerable, it will be best to notify and share with your dentist.
How to Minimize the Discomfort After a Tooth Extraction
It is important and advantageous to be extremely careful while brushing and flossing around the extracted tooth site. Your dentist might even recommend not brushing at all in the affected area for a day or two. It is also beneficial to use mouthwash as directed to both keep your mouth clean and reduce the risk of an oral infection. You should also do your best to avoid smoking or tobacco use and also limit intensive physical activity until you have made a full recovery. Since there may be some discomfort during your recovery, it will also be strongly advised to eat a soft diet and drink just water.