How Long Does Surgical Extraction Take to Heal?
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure frequently used to remove a tooth that is decayed, damaged, or causing oral health issues. While the process can seem intimidating, understanding the short healing process will alleviate those concerns.
What Is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extractions are a common procedure performed by dentists. They can be the removal of a single tooth, or even several teeth due to severe tooth decay, advanced gum disease, or an injury. Tooth extractions can be either simple or surgical.
A simple extraction is performed on a tooth that is completely visible above the gumline. Surgical extraction is more complex because it involves removing a tooth that has not erupted through the gum tissue.
Why Are Tooth Extractions Needed?
The primary cause for a tooth extraction is from severe damage or decay that can no longer be corrected. There are other reasons as well, including:
- Tooth Decay- This is the leading reason. If decay reaches the center pulp of the tooth, the bacteria will cause an infection. If the infection cannot be treated with a root canal, the tooth must be extracted.
- Tooth Breakage or Trauma- Any unfortunate accidents, sports injuries, or falls can result in tooth damage. If the tooth cannot be fixed, it will have to be extracted.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth- Impacted teeth, usually wisdom teeth, are those that have not erupted, resulting in discomfort, inflammation, and infection, and need to be removed.
- Gum Disease- Gum disease, or periodontal disease, destroys the supporting tissue and bone structure of a tooth, requiring extraction.
- Overcrowded Teeth- Dentists might remove teeth to prepare your mouth for orthodontics. The overall objective is to properly align your teeth, so if your teeth are too big some may need to be removed.
- Other Reasons- You may have a medical condition or are in preparation for other medical treatments that could require extraction. If you are having chemotherapy or an organ transplantation you may need to have compromised teeth removed.
What Is the Normal Tooth Extraction Healing Time?
Your recovery time will vary depending on a few factors, like the complexity of the procedure and your overall health. For a surgical extraction, the recovery time may extend to 3-4 weeks.
What to Expect During Recovery
During your recovery, it is necessary to take proper care of the extraction site to promote optimal healing. Here is a simple basic timeline of recovery:
Day 1- Immediately after the procedure, a gauze pad will be placed on the extraction site to stop any bleeding and to help form a blood clot. Some minimal discomfort and swelling are normal. Using a cold compress will help reduce these symptoms. It is wise to stick to soft foods for at least the first day.
Days 2-3- Swelling will begin to subside around the second or third day. Start to gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water after meals. Do your best to keep eating soft foods.
Days 4-7- As your healing progresses, you can now slowly return to a normal diet. At the end of the first week any stitches will be removed.
Weeks 2-4- The bone gradually begins to heal and fill in the area where the tooth was.
Week 4- Complete healing of the surgical area usually takes 3-4 weeks.