If you are in need of a tooth extraction, you may be wondering how long it will take to heal from this procedure. Let's discuss the various reasons for having a tooth extracted, the extraction process itself, and the healing process.
There are a variety of reasons why someone would need a tooth extraction. A tooth may have a large cavity that has caused the tooth to be beyond repair. A tooth may be so severely broken that it cannot be fixed. Severe gum disease may have weakened the bone that supports the tooth. A tooth may need to come out, but for some reason, it won't fall out on its own. A baby tooth may be blocking an adult tooth from coming in.
Your dentist may need to create more space in your mouth to administer an orthodontic treatment or put in a denture or dental implant. You may have an impacted tooth that has only partially erupted (not completely on the surface). You may still have your wisdom teeth and had one or more of them become infected. You may even need a tooth extraction simply because the tooth is causing you severe pain.
The recovery time for a tooth extraction varies from patient to patient based on the size and location of the tooth, your overall dental health, and how well you follow the aftercare instructions your dentist provides.
The recovery time for a simple extraction is usually very short. A simple extraction is a tooth extraction involving a tooth that has fully surfaced in the mouth, and no surgical procedure is needed. It is recommended that you take at least two or three days to rest after a simple extraction. Doing this will allow a blood clot to form at the extraction site, which promotes healing and helps prevent infection. After those first 48-72 hours, patients can usually resume normal activity. It will usually take the soft tissue three to four weeks to heal completely.
Surgical tooth extraction is a more complicated procedure than a simple extraction, and as such, it comes with a somewhat more complex healing process. A surgical extraction is necessary when a tooth is still inside the gums and requires removing part of the jawbone. As with a simple extraction, it is recommended that you take two or three days to rest and allow a clot to form, but you need to wait about a week before doing any strenuous activities.
How much time a patient needs to take off of work will depend on the physical strenuousness of their job. You should discuss this with your oral surgeon before the day of the procedure so you can make arrangements for how much time off you need.
Generally, tooth extraction may not be as bad as it sounds, thanks to modern dentistry and the available anesthesia.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesaheadfamilydentistry.com or call Smiles Ahead Family Dentistry at (614) 340-8240 for an appointment in our Columbus office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Tooth Extraction in Columbus, OH.
Emergency dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses mainly on addressing issues that require urgent treatment. A regular dental appointment might require you to wait one or two weeks for the next open slot on your dentist’s schedule. That is not an option when dealing with dental issues that cause excruciating pain, bleeding or…
Patients are often excited to have orthodontic work, such as clear aligners. Wearing regular braces might not be the right option for some people because of the discomfort. The good news is that issues like gaps are easy to address with clear aligners. The patient can easily have the teeth straightened, improving their appearance and…
There are a few great dental restoration options for someone needing to repair teeth that are in bad shape. One of the most popular ones is dental fillings, which can be used to restore and renew teeth that are damaged or decayed. Dentists typically recommend fillings for a patient that requires a minor dental restoration…
Composite dental fillings are one of the popular ways to deal with tooth decay nowadays. These restorations do not last forever, but they can last up to 10 years with good oral hygiene. Composites can be color-matched with your teeth so that any repairs made with them blend in with the rest of your teeth.…