Having a tooth removed is sometimes necessary for your oral health. From severe decay to dental trauma, the damage to a tooth may be too extensive for the tooth to be saved. A split tooth or a deep cavity may render the tooth irreparable.
Tooth extraction is a relatively simple procedure that can be done rather quickly. Even so, if you have an upcoming appointment to have one or more teeth removed, you may be wondering how long it will take to heal afterwards. Here’s what you can expect in terms of recovery and healing after a tooth extraction procedure.
The Tooth Extraction Procedure
A typical tooth extraction procedure will include the following steps:
- Anesthesia. The first step is to ensure you are comfortable. Most tooth extractions can be done with local anesthesia to numb the nerves in that area of the mouth. It can take a few minutes for the anesthetic to take effect, but then you should experience no pain.
- Removal of the tooth. Next, the tooth is gently loosened from the socket and removed. In some cases the tooth may be removed in multiple pieces.
- Sutures (if needed). In some cases one or two sutures may be needed to close the gum tissue over the socket. This helps to control bleeding and promote healing.
- Socket Graft (if needed). In cases where implant therapy is planned, a filler (bone or bone substitute) is placed into the socket to help preserve the bone around the extraction site.
Average Recovery Period After Tooth Extraction
You may need a day or two to feel ready to resume your regular daily activities. You will need to eat a soft diet for a few days up to a week after your procedure and not eat on the area where the tooth was extracted. Within about 2 to 6 weeks, the tissues in the area of the extraction should be mostly healed.
Factors That Affect Speed of Recovery
- General health. Your overall health and wellness will play a part in your recovery time. You’ll heal faster if you are in good health.
- Age. The younger you are, the faster you will heal. Children heal more quickly than adults, and older adults may need additional recovery time.
- Personal rate of healing. People all heal at different rates, and your personal rate of healing will be a factor in your recovery period.
- Following your dentist’s instructions. How well you follow your dentist’s instructions for aftercare will affect your rate of healing.
- Size of the tooth. The larger the tooth that was extracted, the more involved the procedure may be, meaning it could take longer to remove and longer to heal.
- Number of teeth. The more teeth you have extracted, the longer the overall healing process may take.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extraction
How soon after a tooth extraction can you get a dental implant?
In some cases, an implant can be placed immediately. Other times, it may take several months. Transitional tooth replacement options can be considered in esthetic areas. You and your dentist will discuss your options and determine the best course of treatment.
Does an extracted tooth need to be replaced?
In the case of baby teeth, wisdom teeth, or teeth extracted to alleviate crowding, replacement is not necessary. But in the interest of your oral health, most other teeth should be replaced.
Contact Progressive Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
If you’re in need of a tooth extraction, or if you have questions following an extraction procedure, Progressive Periodontics and Implant Dentistry can help. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.