How Long Does Surgical Extraction Take to Heal?
A tooth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures. An extraction removes a tooth which is damaged, decayed, or causing other types of oral health problems such as overcrowding. The procedure can sound extreme and intimidating. It can be helpful for patients to understand the extraction procedure, why an extraction may be necessary, and the expected healing timeline. When patients are better educated, it can help alleviate anxiety and other concerns. The below article will also review tips for what to do and what to avoid following a tooth extraction to expedite the recovery.
Tooth extractions are a surprisingly common procedure which dentists perform on a regular basis. An extraction can remove one or more teeth damaged from decay, gum disease, or trauma. The extraction is either classified as simple or surgical, based on the status of the natural teeth.
Simple extractions are performed on a tooth which is visible above the gums. It is typically performed under local anesthesia. A surgical extraction, in comparison, is usually more complex. It can involve removing a tooth which is broken, fractured, or impacted below the gums.
A tooth is commonly extracted because of severe damage or decay. The dental professional will consider all treatment options prior to removing a tooth. Unfortunately, some situations make a tooth extraction necessary. Common reasons for an extraction are listed below:
1. Tooth Decay - perhaps the most common cause of a tooth extraction. Tooth decay which reaches the tooth’s pulp can quickly result in an infection. When the infection is severe and cannot be treated with a root canal, extraction is often required.
2. Gum Disease - periodontal or gum disease can damage the tooth’s supporting tissue and bone. In advanced cases of the disease, tooth extraction may be needed.
3. Overcrowding - dental professionals may decide to pull teeth when there is overcrowding in the mouth or orthodontia. When the teeth are not properly aligned due to overcrowding, one or more teeth may need to be removed to make room in the mouth.
4. Tooth Impaction - teeth which are impacted have not fully emerged in the mouth. A tooth may be fully or partially impacted. The wisdom teeth are often impacted and require extraction. Impacted teeth can result in discomfort, inflammation, or infection and require removal.
5. Trauma - trauma to the mouth from an accident, injury, or fall can cause serious damage to the teeth. When the damage is beyond repair, it typically needs to be extracted.
6. Other Issues - Patients with various medical conditions or those who are undergoing medical treatments may need a tooth extraction. Patients who are undergoing chemotherapy or an organ transplant often have compromised teeth removed. This is often necessary to ensure the patient can maintain good oral health.
Patients who are having a tooth extracted often want to know what the expected healing time is. There are various factors which can impact the recovery time for an extraction. This may include the patient’s general health and the complexity of the extraction. The soft tissue and gums at the site of the extraction typically heals in an average of two weeks. Full healing of the jawbone may take up to several weeks.
Patients undergoing a simple extraction can expect the recovery time to last about a week to 10 days, while the healing time for a surgical extraction may be closer to 3-4 weeks.
The dental professional will provide patients with instructions to follow after an extraction. Below is a summary of what to do and things to avoid in order to reduce the risk for complications and expedite the recovery time.
Recommended best practices following an extraction:
1. Closely follow the post-procedure instructions from the dentist
2. Maintain good oral hygiene
3. Consume soft foods
4. Use a cold compress and over-the-counter pain medication to manage pain and swelling
5. Drink plenty of water and beverages with electrolytes
6. Get plenty of rest
7. Visit the dentist for follow-up appointments
What to avoid after an extraction:
1. Do not use a Straw
2. Smoking and tobacco products
3. Avoid alcohol consumption
4. Do not eat hard, crunchy foods which can damage the sensitive gums at the extraction site
5. Do not do strenuous physical activity
6. Avoid touching or putting pressure on the extraction site
Extractions are quite common, and patients have nothing to fear. It is important for patients to follow the dental professional’s recommendations to ensure a quick recovery from the procedure.