Though our teeth are meant to be permanent, many adults must have a tooth removed at some point. Tooth extraction can be necessary for many reasons, like in the case of crowded teeth, gum disease, or impacted wisdom teeth. Show
While the procedure may seem like the most daunting part of the process, what you do after a tooth extraction is even more critical, as proper aftercare is crucial to avoiding infection. So how do you know if your tooth extraction is healing? Here’s everything you need to know. The total tooth extraction healing time depends on the location of the tooth and the type of extraction performed, but you can expect it to fully heal in seven to ten days. In the case of more complicated extractions, healing time maybe two to three weeks. Tooth Extraction Healing StagesYou can expect to go through four tooth extraction healing stages:
Tips to Speed Up Healing TimeLike we mentioned above, every recovery is different and varies according to the tooth location and the amount and type of extraction performed, but here are the top aftercare tips you should follow to speed up healing time.
Things You Can Do After Tooth ExtractionThough the area will be tender, there are certain things you can do following tooth extraction:
Things to Avoid After Tooth ExtractionWhile uncommon, dry socket is a problem that some patients suffer from the following extraction. This painful condition is when the blood clot that has formed in the socket dislodges before the extraction site has fully healed. To avoid this situation, as well as infections, and to promote healing, you should abstain from the following things after tooth extraction:
What Should a Tooth Extraction Look Like When Healing?Many patients find it difficult to know if their tooth extraction is healing correctly. In the first few days, you can expect to experience things like light bleeding, swelling, and some mild pain or discomfort as the effects of the anesthesia diminish. Discoloration or bruising is also standard, as is experiencing a sore throat and stiff jaw. Some patients also feel bits of tooth fragment working their way out of the socket. This is normal, and they should come out on their own (if there are any fragments). If they don’t come out by themselves, see your dentist. Overall, you want to monitor the area to make sure that there is improvement every day, which is the goal during the healing process. It’s helpful to look at tooth extraction healing pictures that correspond to the stage you’re to get a better idea of what the extraction site should look like. If you have any concerns about whether or not your recovery is favorable, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist. Most patients heal from tooth extraction with no issue, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. When You Should Call Your DentistAs we mentioned, tooth extraction healing takes several days. It’s essential to understand what proper healing looks like, so schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately if you notice any of the following signs:
Wisdom Teeth Extraction North HollywoodIn the hands of a professional, wisdom teeth extraction becomes a whole lot easier. If you’ve noticed your wisdom teeth coming through, it’s time to schedule a visit with your North Hollywood dentist for a consultation. You’ll be in great hands with our experienced professionals and receive the wisdom tooth care you need. How do you know if your tooth is healing properly from it's extraction?After about 3 days, the empty tooth socket will have mostly healed. There should be no more bleeding present, and swelling should be minimal at this point. You may still experience some tenderness or soreness, but you should no longer feel pain or discomfort.
What does a healthy extraction socket look like?A healthy socket will be a hole with a noticeable blot clot in the center. If your socket appears white in color, chances are you are seeing exposed bone and have lost the blood clot. In cases where bacteria or infection cause the clot to dissolve, you may see a socket that is black, green, or yellow in color.
How should a healing gum look after extraction?Within 24 hours of your tooth extraction, a blood clot will form in your socket to stop the bleeding. Once the clot forms, your body will start building granulation tissue to cover the wound. This tissue often appears a creamy white color and consists of collagen, white blood cells, and blood vessels.
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