Following your tooth extraction marin county, it will take approximately three to four weeks to complete the healing process. There are several different factors that can prolong or affect the healing process, including the size of the wound (the removal of a wisdom tooth will take longer than the removal of a baby tooth or small incisor), your overall health and ability to heal (some patients naturally heal faster or slower than others), the underlying pathology or reason for the tooth being extracted (trauma, infection, to prevent crowding, etc), your age, lifestyle habits (smokers may have a longer healing process), and the level of self-care and adherence to post-procedural instructions.
During the first 24 hours following your surgery, your body will naturally form a clot over the socket, which is comprised of red and white blood cells and platelets that are bonded together in a fibrin gel. The platelets and other cells in this clot produce chemical compounds that facilitate the healing process. As the healing process continues, the pain and discomfort around the extraction site should begin to diminish, though it may still be tender to the touch. If necessary, take over-the-counter pain-relieving medication to help reduce this pain or discomfort. If you are prescribed a painkiller, take as directed until the prescription is gone.
It is common to experience mild bleeding after the procedure, but this will typically subside within three to four hours. During this period, place gauze in the area to control the bleeding. Swelling is also common during this initial healing phase, and usually reaches its peak between the first 48-72 hours, and then begins to subside. To help reduce swelling, apply a bag of ice on the affected area for ten minutes at a time.
Once the healing process is complete, you will be ready to schedule a follow up procedure for a dental implant if necessary or desired.
Returning to Activities Following Routine Vs Involved Extractions
Following a routine tooth extraction, you should plan on devoting the rest of the day to taking things easy. It is also a good idea to avoid extremely strenuous activities until the area has healed, though you should be able to resume normal daily activities such as shopping, walking, or attending school or work by the following day, and even moderate physical activities if the extraction is especially minor.
Following a difficult or involved extraction, it will be necessary to follow additional and more extensive aftercare. Patients undergoing involved tooth extractions will often be given dental sedation to reduce or eliminate pain during the procedure. Depending upon what type of sedation you receive, it may be necessary to arrange for someone to drive you home following the procedure. It will also be important to avoid strenuous activities for several days, and it may take slightly longer for you to return to normal daily activities, such as shopping, walking, or attending school or work.
By closely following these and any additional post-operative instructions, you will greatly increase your recovery time and significantly reduce your risk of developing dry sockets or other post-procedural complications.
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