The Road to Recovery: Navigating Tooth Extraction Healing Time

The recovery after tooth extraction will depend on whether you had a simple procedure or a surgical one. In general, the oral surgeon asks the patient to relax for at least 48 to 72 hours to allow safe blood clot formation. You can resume normal physical activity after the recommended time has passed. The soft tissue will take around 3 to 4 weeks to heal completely.

For a surgical extraction, though, the process might be a little longer. The patient will be asked to take 48 to 72 hours to rest, with limited physical activity for a week. You can ensure safe and quick recovery by following the proper tooth extraction healing aftercare provided by the dentist.

Healing after a tooth extraction procedure will be different for every individual. Depending on your case, you could feel minor or severe discomfort. Overall, though, this is what the tooth extraction healing timelines look like:

• 24 Hours
  The first 24 hours are extremely crucial for a safe recovery. Multiple things happen during the first night after tooth extraction, including blood clot formation. Plus, the sutures will kickstart the healing a few hours after the procedure. Your dentist will prescribe you some medications to eliminate the minor pain and discomfort that you might experience on the first day.
• 1-2 Days
  Your tooth extraction site will require your undivided attention and care in the first two days. During the first few days, the extraction hole undergoes intense healing. Therefore, you can expect minor bleeding and stiffness in the affected area.
• 3 Days
  You can expect to see significant healing in the tooth extraction site after 3 days. Hence, no bleeding or swelling should occur when the first two days have passed. If your tooth extraction site is still swollen after 3 days of antibiotics and healing, you’ll need prompt dental attention. Slight tenderness and soreness are fine, but pain or discomfort could indicate dental troubles.
• 1 Week
  7 to 10 days after tooth removal are enough for the blood clot to develop safely. Your oral surgeon would call you in to remove the stitches if they were non-dissolvable. Since the empty socket is close to fully healed, tooth extraction pain after 7 days could be a warning for complications; visit your dentist if this happens!
• 2 Weeks
  After 14 days have passed by, the tooth extraction site will be totally healed — at least virtually. By this time, your dentist might allow you to reintroduce solid foods back into your diet. To avoid complications, refrain from chewing near the extraction site or brushing the tissue. There’s a possibility of infection or damage in the site even after the socket has completely healed. Hence, you should remain cautious until you have fully recovered.
• 3 Weeks
  Once 3 to 4 weeks have passed, your tooth extraction healing time is complete. Slight sensitivity might still occur, but it will not lead to significant pain or bleeding. All you’ll have to do now is prevent food or debris buildup in the area. Therefore, ensure that you follow proper oral hygiene routines and dentists’ instructions.

So, to sum it all up, you may require 3 to 4 weeks for complete and safe tooth extraction healing. The first few days are crucial for the blood clot to form. After that, you can follow the proper tooth extraction aftercare to avoid complications. Our dental team at ACE Dental of Bellmead strives to provide you with a wide range of effective and safe procedures. Boost your oral health by scheduling an appointment with us at (254) 276-8800. You can also drop by our dental clinic at 901 North I-35 Frontage Road, Bellmead, TX 76705, right next to H&R Block.