When you get a tooth extraction, you can feel a bit overwhelmed about the whole procedure and how to move forward once it has been completed. In this blog post, our team at Andrew M Satlin DDS tells you all about what to expect when healing from a tooth extraction in Los Angeles.
How Long Does it Take for a Tooth Extraction Site to Heal?
The amount of time it will take your extraction site to heal will depend on your unique situation; however, most people can expect to feel the most discomfort during the first 24 hours after their extraction. During the first two days following tooth extraction near you, you will need to take extra care not to disturb your extraction site, but it should be completely or mostly healed within seven to ten days of your procedure.
It is normal to experience some minor pain and bleeding from days one to three, and from there, you should be feeling better as each day goes on.
What to Avoid After a Tooth Extraction
If you are wondering what NOT to do after a tooth extraction, the main thing to avoid is disturbing the site of the extraction so that the blood clot forming there does not become dislodged. If it does become dislodged, your healing process will be significantly lengthened. You can avoid developing a dry socket from a dislodged blood clot by:
- Abstaining from smoking or using any form of tobacco product
- Avoid blowing your nose or sneezing if you can
- Rest for the first 24 hours and avoid strenuous exercise
- Do not rinse your mouth
- Sleep with your head elevated
- Avoid drinking through a stra
What Does Normal Healing Look Like After a Tooth Extraction?
During the first 24 hours after your tooth extraction, you will need to rest and keep your head elevated to promote healing. Avoid rinsing your mouth, exercising, chewing, and smoking. Use over-the-counter pain medication as prescribed by a periodontist near you and change your gauze as instructed.
You should notice a significant decrease in your pain on the second day, and by the third day and following, you shouldn’t have much pain at all. If you continue to experience significant pain after the third day of healing, you should contact your dentist’s office as soon as possible.
Healing from Tooth Extractions: Day by Day
You may heal more quickly or slowly than what is typical following your tooth extraction, but typically, you can expect the following to occur each day after getting a tooth extracted:
Days 1 to 2:
- Get lots of rest
- Change your gauze as needed to staunch bleeding
- Avoid the use of tobacco products
- Keep your head elevated
- Use a cold compress on the outside of the extraction site for ten to twenty minutes at a time
Days 3 to 10:
- Use a warm salt water rinse to clean out your mouth several times each day to kill any forming bacteria.
- Maintain an excellent oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing, but avoid brushing or flossing over the extraction site and the teeth directly beside it.
- Avoid hard foods such as sticky toffees, nuts, and popcorn.
- Try to eat healthy soft foods such as yogurt, popsicles, and soup.
Days 11 to 14:
Schedule a visit with your dentist, periodontist, or oral surgeon for a checkup to ensure that your site has healed correctly and determine if you can return to your usual activities.
Potential Complications
Although it is normal for your mouth to take about ten days to heal after a tooth extraction, some conditions may cause your healing process to take longer; if you experience any of the following, visit your dental office right away:
- Dry socket- dislodged blood clot
- Bleeding that does not stop
- Nausea, vomiting, and/or fever
- Increase in pain, especially if it radiates out to your ear
- Swelling that does not subside with the help of cold compresses
- Foul-smelling discharge
If you are ever unsure if you are experiencing something abnormal when healing from tooth extraction, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for a quick over-the-phone evaluation to determine the next best steps.
What Should Your Extraction Site Look Like When Healing?
After the first 2 hours of healing, you may begin to see white tissue forming on each side of the extraction site. This is a normal bodily response to the trauma that was inflicted on your gums. This tissue is called granulation tissue, and it is made of capillaries, white blood cells, and collagen and works to promote effective and quick healing. After about three days, your extraction site should no longer be swollen and should no longer be bleeding heavily. The extraction site should be mostly healed by day five to seven, and your gums should be looking back to normal.
Home Remedies for Extraction Pain
For those who are not keen on taking pain medication, there are some home remedies that they can implement to ease their discomfort throughout healing from tooth extraction, such as:
- Ice packs- you can apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin, soft cloth and press it against your cheek near the extraction site for about twenty minutes at a time to alleviate pain and bring down swelling.
- Saline rinses- once the first 24 hours have passed, you can rinse out your mouth with warm saline rinses or saltwater, but be gentle when swishing this solution around in your mouth, so you do not destroy the blood clot.
- Use anti-inflammatory drugs- these can alleviate the majority of pain and swelling that one may feel immediately following their extractions.
Visit a Dentist Near You For Tooth Extractions and Advice Today
Healing from a tooth extraction is quite straightforward, and with the right care and attention, you will have nothing to worry about.
If you are about to get tooth extractions and have more questions about the process and how to heal from it, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team of dental professionals at Andrew M Satlin DDS. Our periodontist in Los Angeles is happy to provide you with a comprehensive evaluation to determine if you require tooth extractions and provide you with your next steps, so you feel safe and comfortable moving forward with the procedure. Please get in touch with us to book your appointment today.
