Tooth extraction healing times can vary, but most people feel back to normal in a matter of days. In fact, you can typically return to work or school within one or two days but talk to your dentist to be sure.
While you'll be able to return to routine activities within 48 to 72 hours, it usually takes the jawbone several weeks to heal completely. Therefore, if you're planning on replacing the tooth with a dental implant, you'll probably need to wait a few months to allow for full recovery.
The pain and swelling should subside more and more each day following surgery. The second day following surgery is usually the worst day for swelling. If your post-operative pain or swelling worsens or unusual symptoms occur call my office for instructions. There will be a cavity where the tooth was removed.
The first two days after tooth extraction
The first two days after surgery are when the bulk of the body's healing will occur. The experience of some minor bleeding and soreness during this two-day period is normal.
3 Days Post Extraction
After about 3 days, the empty tooth socket will have mostly healed. There should be no more bleeding present, and swelling should be minimal at this point. You may still experience some tenderness or soreness, but you should no longer feel pain or discomfort.
48 hours after surgery, rinse mouth with warm salt water every 1-2 hours. Avoid using any mouthwash containing alcohol as it can irritate the wound. Keep your mouth clean by brushing areas around the surgical site, but be sure to avoid sutures. Touching the wounded area in any fashion should be prevented.
Although tooth extractions are a safe and simple procedure, the initial recovery period from surgery can take between one to two weeks. If you follow the right aftercare regime, you can speed up the recovery process.
Always sleep with your head elevated for the first few nights after the wisdom tooth extraction surgery. If you struggle to put yourself in that position, get support from a few pillows. Keeping your head elevated at a 45-deg angle while sleeping ensures faster recovery. It also minimizes swelling in the surgical area.
Be careful not to dislodge your blood clot, which can lead to a dry socket. The gum tissue should be closing around the socket. 7-10 days - Unless your extraction was more complicated or involved the rear molars, you can expect this to be the final hurdle in your healing journey.
Tooth extraction healing times can vary, but most people feel back to normal in a matter of days. In fact, you can typically return to work or school within one or two days but talk to your dentist to be sure.
Pain. It's common to have some pain after your dental surgery. This is usually worse in the first 2 to 3 days and then starts to get better.
If you develop dry socket, the pain usually begins one to three days after your tooth is removed. Dry socket is the most common complication following tooth extractions, such as the removal of third molars (wisdom teeth).
It's usually recommended that you take a day or two off work after having a wisdom tooth removed. You won't need a sick note from your doctor or dentist for this.
It is recommended that you avoid doing anything strenuous such as chores or undertaking any form of physical activity. Ensure that your head is always kept in an elevated position as well. Rest is essential for the first 24 hours.
By day 3, your gum swelling should subside and your open wound from extraction will begin to close. In 7 days, your gums should be very close to being completely healed with minimal sensitivity or pain. These are all signs that your gums are healing nicely and in the expected time frame.
Get plenty of rest – Your body needs time to heal after tooth extraction. It is important that you rest for at least the first 24 hours and avoid strenuous activity for at least 48 hours. Rest or sleep with head elevated – Sleeping with your head elevated on extra pillows will help the blood clot and promote healing.
How Long after Tooth Extraction Can I Drink? You can simply drink normal water after one or two hours but if you are looking to drink any soda, acidic drink or an alcohol, you must wait for at least a week after tooth extraction.
Dislodge the food by gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water (saline) solution. Avoid swishing the water around and don't spit—this can lead to painful dry sockets. If you received a syringe from your clinician, you can use warm water or salt water to gently flush the socket clean.
Don't rinse for the first 24 hours, and this will help your mouth to start healing. After this time use a salt-water mouthwash, which helps to heal the socket. A teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water gently rinsed around the socket twice a day can help to clean and heal the area.
Vigorous mouth rinsing or chewing in the areas of the tooth extraction should be avoided. This may cause increased bleeding or the blood clot to dislodge. A liquid or soft diet is recommended for the first 24 hours after tooth extraction. Avoid sucking through straws and eating hard or crunchy foods and spicy foods.
Dairy contains proteins that can encourage the growth of bacteria and increase the risk of infection. This is because dairy provides an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, which can lead to swelling and discomfort in the gums and surrounding area.
Tip #1: Salt Water Rinse
After a tooth has been removed, it is possible for small particles of food to be lodged in the socket. We recommend a gentle salt water rinse to clean the area that is healing and prevent food from getting caught. The salt water promotes healing and reduces the risk of complications.