- The recovery time after a tooth extraction depends on the type of procedure and any complications that may arise. Simple extractions may take less than two weeks, while surgical extractions may take more than two weeks.
- Following your dentist's instructions for home care can help speed up the healing process. This includes controlling bleeding, avoiding intense exercise, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding alcohol and smoking.
- It is important to contact your dentist if excessive bleeding continues for more than 48 hours. Contact your doctor if the swelling does not subside even after a few days.
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How can you make your tooth extraction heal faster? Here's everything you need to know.
Tooth extraction healing time
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The amount of time required for recovery after tooth extraction can vary slightly depending on the type of procedure performed and whether any complications arise.
The mouth heals itself quickly, so a simple, routine removal with no complications could heal in less than two weeks. However, a more complex surgical extraction may require more than two weeks to heal completely.
First 24 hours
The first 24 hours are expectedly to be the most active part of the healing process after a tooth extraction. This is where the majority of the healing will be done to close the open tooth socket. It is expected that the wound will not fully close in the first day or so and will experience small amounts of bleeding for a day or two.
You are likely to develop a blood clot at the wound site, which is extremely important to preserve for proper recovery. As Harry Lee, DMD, explains: “That blood clot is not just a scab; it is the biological scaffolding for healing. It is a complex, living matrix that protects the underlying bone and nerve endings while providing the framework for new tissue and bone to grow.”
“If you lose that clot, you get a dry socket, which can be very painful and impedes the healing process,” he emphasises.
It is essential to take special care in the first 24 hours to avoid putting any strain on the gums through actions such as chewing or sucking through a straw. Doing so may be painful and also jeopardize the proper healing process. Prescription medication might be advised for the pain and tenderness after the procedure, but in many instances, using an over-the-counter pain reliever will suffice.
Swelling and inflammation of the gums are also common and will take several days to reduce. Be sure to follow your dentist's recommendations for brushing, rinsing, flossing, and replacing the gauze as needed. Applying an ice pack for short periods to the affected area may also be helpful.
First week
First week. At this point, you can expect the wound to have closed. Additionally, any swelling should also have subsided after about four to five days.
Although the inflammation has decreased by this time, noticeable tenderness may still be present in the area. The pain should be at a reduced level where medication is no longer required or is manageable enough to use an over-the-counter pain medication.
Second week (and later)
By the beginning of the second week, you can expect the wound to be near completion of the healing stage. The direct area of healing should still be soft and tender, but free of any swelling.
It is still essential to follow the dentist's recommendations at this stage. Any harsh brushing or excessive strain on the area may result in the breaking of the healing layers that have formed over the course of the week. This may also cause infections in the area if exposed to foreign objects over prolonged periods.
How can I make my tooth extraction heal faster?
While you should review the home-care instructions with your dentist, the following list applies to most extraction cases.
Keep the gauze in place until the bleeding stops.
Be sure to replace gauze when necessary.
Get plenty of rest. Getting rest gives energy to the area of the wound.
Avoid intense physical movements and actions. Any strain on the area may cause the hole to open.
Do not repeatedly touch the wound. Moving around the gauze may increase the recovery time required to heal.
Take the medication as prescribed by the dentist. Some variations of pain relievers will thin the blood, reducing the effect of the healing process.
No drinking or smoking. Alcohol is known for increasing the time it takes to form clots, and smoking introduces harmful contaminants to the wound, causing additional inflammation.
Do not use mouthwash. It contains alcohol, and also, the swishing action may cause strain on the gums. You can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water, using eight ounces of water mixed with a half teaspoon of salt.
Be careful of what you consume. Anything with a hard or chewy texture will create unnecessary strain and increase the likelihood of objects getting into the wound. Do not consume spicy food. Lukewarm, soft foods are recommended.
Stay hydrated. The healing process relies on having water in your system. Be careful with the temperature of the liquids - something cold will create shock, and something hot will dissolve the clotting. Straws will also create tension on the wound.
When to consult with a dentist after tooth removal?
It is essential to follow your doctor's recommendations and instructions on how to respond in specific situations. For reference, a more common circumstance when a doctor may need to be contacted is if excessive bleeding continues past an initial 48-hour period or if swelling continues without reduction after the first few days.
If you are having severe pain, you may have a dry socket. It will be helpful to schedule a follow-up appointment with the doctor and ask for advice on how best to manage the situation.
FAQ
How long does it take the hole to close after tooth extraction?
After about 48 hours, the area of extraction should be nearly closed and have significantly reduced bleeding from the wound.
What is the white stuff in tooth extraction?
The white material that tears from the area around the extraction site is called granulation tissue. Just like healing from any scrapes or cuts on any other parts of the body, granulation tissue is a mixture of collagen, white blood cells, and red blood cells that are created after a blood clot is formed.
How long does pain last after tooth extraction?
In short, no more than a few days. If persistent pain persists, it may be advisable to contact a dentist. It is still expected to have mild tenderness for the first week, which will slowly decrease over the next two to three weeks.
Harry Lee, DMD
In my practice, I tell every patient that after a tooth is extracted, my work is done, but their most important job is just beginning. For the next 72 hours, their sole focus should be on protecting the blood clot that forms in the empty socket. We provide numerous instructions—no straws, no vigorous rinsing, and eat soft foods—and they all serve the same purpose.