Sometimes your dentist may recommend a tooth extraction to remove your wisdom teeth or a seriously damaged tooth. Following a tooth extraction, you should monitor the healing wound site and know when to call a dentist if there is a problem.
How do you know if your tooth extraction is healing properly? Here are the stages you should keep in mind:
Within the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction, you should expect a clot to form where the tooth is extracted. During this stage, you should expect some minor pain and bleeding. This is normal as the structures in your mouth help the teeth tissues to heal. Your dentist will recommend over-the-counter painkillers to relieve the minor pain as you heal.
The next couple of days after your tooth extraction is the most important time for safe healing. At this stage, you will still experience some soreness and minor pain at the extraction site.
During this time, you should avoid smoking and drinking through straws. This will protect the clot from dislodging and ensure the socket remains clean. Opt for softer foods at a milder temperature.
After three days, your tooth socket should have healed, and all bleeding should have subsided. However, you may still experience some minor swelling, soreness, and tenderness. You have to maintain high standards of hygiene at this stage to protect the extraction site. Therefore, you should:
You should not experience any sharp pain at this stage of healing, and you can begin resuming most regular activities.
One week after the tooth extraction, the extraction site or opening should be fully closed. Any swelling should have subsided. If you had any non-dissolving stitches, you should have them removed at this stage. Call your dentist if you still experience a lot of pain after 7-10 days.
Three weeks after the tooth extraction, the healing process should be over. Although you may still experience some minor pain at the point of extraction, such as when chewing, this should not worry you.
You should still be careful not to allow food debris to build up in the socket. Maintain proper dental hygiene to ensure your teeth heal.
During the various stages of recovery, you should monitor your tooth socket closely. Note that your healing time will depend on the specific tooth extraction treatment. Book an appointment today with Marsfield Dental for a tooth extraction or any other dental work. Call us on (02) 9887 1961 or book via our website.
Disclaimer – This blog article does not constitute health advice from a dental professional. For more specific information, please seek an appointment with a dentist.
"The information in this website may be simplified in nature and does not replace professional advice. Risks and consequences may apply to any treatment. Always seek a second opinion when considering complex treatment. A referral to a specialist may be required in certain situations. Quotations can only be given after proper clinical assessment and so pricing details cannot be given over the phone."
COVID 19 Update - Oct 2021
All our members of staff - Dentists and supporting assistants - are fully vaccinated. We are a COVID-safe practice and we are open for all general dental treatment needs and services.
