Ouch! The thought of a tooth extraction might send shivers down your spine, but the real challenge? The healing process.
Whether it’s a wisdom tooth or a damaged molar, knowing what to expect during recovery can mean the difference between a smooth healing journey and unexpected pain or complications.
Luckily, we’ve got the 411. Read on to learn what you need to know about the tooth extraction healing stages.
Before the Extraction: Tooth Extraction Preparation
Before your extraction, have a thorough discussion with your dentist or oral surgeon. Make sure they are aware of any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or blood clotting disorders, as these may affect your healing process. Inform them of any medications you are taking, including blood thinners, which might need to be adjusted before the procedure.
Since you may experience drowsiness or discomfort after the extraction, it is essential to arrange transportation home if sedation is used. Driving immediately after anesthesia is unsafe, so having a family member or friend accompany you is a good idea. Prepare your home in advance by setting up a comfortable resting area with pillows to keep your head elevated. Stock up on soft foods like:
- Yogurt
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Soup
Chewing solid foods may be difficult for the first few days.
Immediately After the Extraction: First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours after a tooth extraction are the most crucial for ensuring proper healing and preventing complications. Follow your doctor’s post-surgical instructions carefully.
It is normal to experience some level of pain and swelling after the extraction, but these symptoms can be effectively managed. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers.
Some bleeding is expected after an extraction, but it should gradually decrease within the first few hours. Your dentist will provide you with sterile gauze to bite down on, which helps to absorb blood and promote clotting. Keep the gauze in place for 30-45 minutes, replacing it with fresh gauze if necessary.
Early Healing Stage
During this phase, the initial discomfort and swelling should start to subside, and new tissue begins forming at the extraction site.
To promote healing, it’s important to follow your dentist’s post-extraction care instructions carefully. Avoid rinsing, spitting, drinking through a straw, or smoking, as these actions can dislodge the clot and lead to delayed healing. Instead, rest as much as possible and stick to a soft food diet.
Tissue Repair Stage
By the fourth day, the initial swelling and discomfort should start to subside, and the gum tissue will begin to close over the wound. This is a crucial phase of healing, as new cells rapidly regenerate to protect the area and prevent infection. While mild tenderness may still be present, significant pain should decrease, and you may start feeling more comfortable eating a wider variety of soft foods.
To support tissue repair, it is essential to maintain proper oral hygiene without disturbing the healing site. Gentle saltwater rinses can:
- Help keep the area clean
- Reduce bacteria
- Promote faster healing
Avoiding smoking, alcohol, and hard or crunchy foods will prevent irritation and reduce the risk of complications. Some people may notice mild itching or sensitivity as the gum tissue heals, which is a normal part of the process.
Final Healing Stages
By the second week in the dental healing process, most of the initial discomfort, swelling, and tenderness should be significantly reduced. The soft tissues in your gums continue to heal, and the extraction site begins to close up. However, while the outer gum tissue may appear healed, the underlying bone is still in the process of regenerating. Complete bone healing can take several months.
During this stage, you can gradually return to normal activities and reintroduce firmer foods into your diet, but it’s still important to avoid chewing directly on the extraction site. Continue brushing and flossing carefully around the area to keep it clean and prevent infection. If your dentist has recommended a follow-up appointment, make sure to attend it so they can monitor your healing progress.
Oral Surgery Recovery: Signs of Complications
It’s important to watch out for complications as a part of post-extraction care. One of the most common complications is dry socket, which tends to happen when the protective blood clot at the site becomes dislodged or dissolves too soon. This exposes the underlying bone and nerves, leading to:
- Severe pain
- Bad breath
- Delayed healing
If you experience intense pain that worsens after a few days rather than improving, contact your dentist immediately for treatment.
Infections are another potential risk, especially if bacteria enter the extraction site. Signs of infection include:
- Persistent swelling
- Redness
- Pus
- Fever
- A gross taste or smell in the mouth
Excessive or prolonged bleeding beyond the first 24 hours may also indicate a problem and should be addressed by a dental professional.
Smooth Recovery Tips
There are other things you can do to ensure an easier oral surgery recovery. Keeping the air moist can prevent your mouth from becoming dry while you sleep, reducing irritation and discomfort around the extraction site. This is especially helpful if you breathe through your mouth due to nasal congestion.
Instead of just using ice packs, chilled chamomile or green tea bags can help soothe the extraction site and reduce inflammation. Chamomile has natural anti-inflammatory properties, while green tea contains mild antibacterial effects.
Large spoons can accidentally apply pressure near the extraction site. Using a smaller-sized spoon, like a baby spoon, can help control food placement and minimize discomfort while eating.
Pain feels more intense when you focus on it, so keep yourself engaged with relaxing activities like:
- Watching movies
- Listening to audiobooks
- Doing light puzzles
To keep your mind off the healing process.
Tooth Extraction Healing Stages: Now You Know
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to tooth extraction healing stages. With this guide, you should have a much easier time maintaining your overall dental health.
At Jenkins, Morrow & Gayheart, we don’t just extract teeth – we’ve been providing expert, compassionate post-surgery care to ensure a smooth, stress-free recovery for over a decade. With board-certified oral surgeons and state-of-the-art techniques, we help minimize pain and maximize healing every step of the way.
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