How Long Does Surgical Extraction Take to Heel?
Tooth Extraction Recovery
Tooth extractions are a surprisingly common dental procedure where a damaged tooth is removed. Patients are often intimidated by an extraction and find it helpful to have a better understanding of the overall procedure and healing timeline. Education on extractions aids in alleviating patient concerns and anxiety.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extractions are commonly performed to remove one or more teeth which are damaged due to decay, gum disease, an accident, or trauma. The two different types of extractions are simple and surgical.
Simple extractions are used on a fully erupted tooth which is visible above the gumline, and local anesthesia is typically used. Surgical extractions are more complex as the tooth is either fully or partially impacted below the gums.
In most cases, the tooth is extracted due to severe decay or damage. Prior to removing a tooth, dental professionals will first exhaust all treatment options. In some situations, the tooth is damaged beyond repair and requires removal. Below is a summary of the top causes for an extraction:
- Decay: Tooth decay is one of the top causes of tooth extractions. When the decay reaches the tooth’s pulp, it can quickly cause infection. A root canal may be used for more mild cases, but an extraction may ultimately be needed.
- Gum Disease: Gum disease can cause damage to the tissue and bone that supports the tooth. In cases of advanced gum disease, the tooth must be removed.
- Overcrowding: when patients have overcrowding or misaligned teeth, the dental professional may opt to pull one or more teeth. Removal of a tooth makes room in the mouth for the remaining teeth and aids in correct alignment.
- Impacted Teeth: when the teeth are fully or partially impacted below the gums, it can cause pain, inflammation, and infection. The wisdom teeth are commonly impacted and must be removed.
- Trauma: trauma caused by an injury, accident, or fall can cause significant damage to the teeth. The damage may be significant, resulting in the need for an extraction.
- Health Issues: A patient with other types of health issues may also require an extraction in order to maintain good oral health. This may include patients who are receiving chemotherapy treatments or an organ transplant which can compromise their teeth and make them more susceptible to infection.
Expected Recovery
Patients undergoing a tooth extraction are often curious regarding the expected healing time. As with most dental procedures, there are various factors such as the complexity of the procedure and patient’s health which directly impact the expected recovery time. In most cases, the soft tissue and gums will heal within about two weeks. The jawbone may take several weeks to fully heal.
In cases of a simple extraction, it will take about a week to 10 days for the mouth to heal. With a surgical extraction, the healing time may take three weeks to a month.
Post-Procedure Care Instructions & Recovery
Patients will receive specific instructions which must be followed after the extraction procedure is complete. In many cases, the dental team will provide these instructions in writing before the procedure to ensure they are clear. General instructions for post-procedure care are summarized below. These guidelines help ensure a quick recovery and reduce the risk for complications.
- Be diligent in following post-procedure care instructions and dietary restrictions
- Practice good oral hygiene and use gentle pressure when brushing or flossing
- Consume soft, mild foods which will not harm the fragile gum tissue
- Use an over-the-counter pain medication and cold compress for pain management and to alleviate swelling
- Consume water and electrolyte drinks
- Rest and allow the body to heal
- Attend scheduled follow-up appointments
Things which should be avoided:
- Use of a straw
- Smoking or use of tobacco
- Consuming alcohol
- Hard, crunchy, and spicy foods
- Strenuous activity
- Touching or putting pressure on the extraction site
Extractions are common and safe. Patients who follow the dentist’s guidelines during the healing time can expect a quick and successful recovery.
Contact the office today to schedule an appointment to discuss if you may be a good candidate for an extraction.