How Long Does It Take for a Tooth Extraction Site to Heal?"

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How Long Does It Take for a Tooth Extraction Site to Heal?"

There are multiple reasons that you may require a tooth extraction procedure. It can be due to persistent pain, broken or chipped teeth, or infection. Although the process seems scary and daunting, there is so much you can do to boost your recovery.

Typically, the patients return to their normal routine after 48 to 72 hours. The length of recovery differs from one patient to another. During that period, make sure you avoid certain things and take special care of your mouth. It will help you get a positive recovery experience.

What to Expect: Is Tooth Extraction Painful?

Tooth extractions near you cannot hurt. It is common to experience the pressure of pulled-out teeth during the procedure. You will not feel any sensation due to the anesthesia. The dental expert will usually give local anesthesia during the process to eradicate the pain. It usually depends on the complexity of tooth extraction and the comfort level of the patient.

The dentist also advises prescription pain medicines to curve the pain. The main reasons why tooth extraction procedures result in pain include gum diseases and severe tooth impaction. Once the dental professional eliminates the infected material from the mouth, the source of pain eradicates.

Post-Extraction Care: What to Avoid for a Smooth Recovery

Below are a few things to avoid after the procedure:

  • Use Warm Saline Solution: Clean the extraction site with a warm saline rinse. It is essential to use the rinse 12 hours after tooth extraction. You can create a saltwater solution by combining salt with warm water.

  • Avoid Skipping Medicines: Take anti-inflammatory drugs and pain-killing medicines as prescribed by the dentist in Bayside. He/she will work to minimize swelling and pain after pulling teeth. If you notice pain after the procedure does not go away and it’s accompanied by bleeding, get in touch with the dentist immediately.

  • Avoid Touching the Sutures: After the treatment, your mouth is sensitive to any change. Therefore, avoid poking and touching the surgical site using your fingers or tongue. Doing this will delay the healing and even cause a dry socket. Also, if a few food bits get collected in the sutures, wash the area gently using a saline solution.

  • Do Not Use Alcohol and Tobacco: Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours after tooth pulling. Alcohol can interfere with the pain medicines that the dentist suggests. This could be dangerous. Also, tobacco use can delay the natural delivery after the tooth extractions in Bayside. The chemicals in the smoke can increase the chances of developing a dry socket.

  • Avoid Using Straws: The dentist only recommends using soft food varieties. It does not include the use of straws. So, avoid drinking anything via a straw because this creature suction can dislodge the developed blood clot at the extracted area. It could hinder healing and could cause complications.

  • Do Not Consume Hard and Crunchy Foods: For the first few days, avoid eating crunchy and hard foods. It could damage the extracted area or a few food bits could get collected in the wound.

  • Avoid Eating Solids Immediately After: After the dentist pulls the tooth, you can take liquid and soft food such as milkshakes, mashed potatoes, soups, smoothies, etc. But it is important to avoid solids till the area heals. Typically, after 3 to 4 days, you can include solid foods into your diet.

  • Keep Physical Activity to the Minimum: Avoid over-exerting yourself after tooth extraction. So, rather than running, lifting heavy objects, or doing other activities that could dislodge or damage the blood clot, take proper rest.

  • Do Not Take Extremely Hot or Cold Beverages: Avoid too hot or too cold drinks immediately after the tooth extraction. Dentists at Bayside Family Dentistry will advise you to do this for a few days.

  • Stay Away from Spicy Food: Avoid eating spicy foods till your jawbone and gums heal completely. Spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, etc. can irritate the extraction wound. It ultimately takes a long time to heal.

  • Do Not Eat Chewy Food: Avoid chewy food till your extraction wounds heal. For example, meat requires plenty of chomping and teeth grinding while you eat. Therefore, make sure you avoid it for several days.