How Long Does Tooth Extraction Recovery Take?

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By Camarillo Premier Dental

Worried about not being able to eat your favorite food after you have had a tooth extraction? When you have just extracted a tooth or are about to extract it, then it is likely you are wondering how to heal. 

A tooth extraction is when a dentist extracts a decayed or damaged tooth to avoid infection or other complications. It is a quick process, but the process depends on the condition of your mouth, the complexity of the extraction, and the way you stick to the instructions for taking care after the surgery.

What to Expect During and After a Tooth Extraction?

In the tooth extraction process, you will be faced with your dentist removing your damaged or decayed tooth. Generally, tooth extraction can be done by extracting the tooth as a whole or in pieces, depending on the complexity. 

It is normal for you to feel some pain, swelling, and discomfort that might follow after the procedure, but this may disappear in several days. Sometimes recovery can take a little longer in case a tooth is affected or badly damaged.

Recovery Timeline After a Tooth Extraction

First 24-48 Hours

The first 24 to 48 hours after your tooth extraction in Camarillo are the most significant in terms of recovery. Normal conditions may include bleeding, swelling, and discomfort. Any bleeding can be prevented by biting down slightly on gauze. You need to take a break and stay away from vigorous work and strictly follow the after-care guidelines of your dentist.

First Week

After the first week, the initial pain slowly fades away. To help you in your recovery, you will be prescribed pain medication or antibiotics. Your dentist will recommend that you stay away from hard and hot food, which may hurt the sites of the extraction. Rather, you need to stick to a liquid diet or soft food. In case of any chronic pain, do not forget to call your dentist.

Two to Three Weeks

Most patients begin to feel back to normal after about two to three weeks. The gum tissues will gradually start to heal at this time. Even though the pain must have disappeared, the underlying bone might still require more time to heal completely. Be cautious to avoid habits like smoking, which may slow down recovery.

Complete Recovery

Some tooth extraction procedures may take months before it recovers, in case it is a very complex extraction. The bone in the area will gradually recover, which will fill in over time, although the soft tissue may require longer to heal completely.

Speed Up Your Extraction Recovery Process

To improve and speed up your recovery, you  need to:

  • Rest: Relax the first few days and do not do any vigorous activities that may impact the healing process.
  • Follow aftercare instructions: Ice pack treatment, prescription of medications, and oral hygiene should be maintained as instructed.
  • Diet: Stick to soft foods and liquids for the first few days after your extraction. Avoid hot, spicy, or hard foods that could irritate the site.

When to Contact Your Dentist After Your Extraction?

Although discomfort and swelling are normal symptoms after a tooth extraction, some symptoms could indicate or feel like a problem, so don’t hesitate and consult our dentist in Camarillo. In case of severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of an infection (fever or pus), call your dentist.

If you’re recovering from a tooth extraction in Camarillo, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist for guidance.

A Smooth Tooth Extraction Recovery Starts With the Right Care

The time taken to recover after extracting a tooth depends on the type of care given; however, under good care, recovery can be expected to be smooth and relatively fast. You may have had your tooth extracted in Camarillo; your dentist is around to assist you with that and make sure that you heal well. 

Book your consultation now to talk about your recovery plan and start living worriless!

FAQs

How long does the pain last after a tooth extraction?

The pain normally extends for a couple of days after the extraction, and with time, the pain reduces after 48 hours.

Can I eat normally after a tooth extraction?

It is important to stick to a soft and liquid diet for the first few days to avoid irritating the extraction site and completely avoid hard or hot food and beverages.

Is it normal to have swelling after a tooth extraction?

Yes, swelling is common after going through a tooth extraction, and it generally lasts up to 48 hours. You can apply an ice pack to numb the area and reduce the pain and swelling.

How long do I have to wait to go back to work after a tooth extraction?

Depending on the complexity of the extraction and how you feel, most people would be able to go back to work after 1-2 days of rest.

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