While tooth extractions are a common dental procedure, it’s perfectly natural to have questions about the recovery process. Whether you’re facing extraction due to severe decay, damage from an injury, problematic crowding, or persistent infection, understanding the healing timeline can help you prepare. Let’s explore what to expect after your tooth is removed and how to ensure a smooth recovery.
What Can You Expect After a Tooth Extraction?
The tooth extraction procedure is generally fairly fast and simple, but healing from surgery can take longer. After your tooth is removed, Dr. Ivey may suture your gums closed around the extraction site, or he may put a protective covering over it. You will be asked to bite down on gauze for about 30 minutes to slow or stop any initial bleeding. During this time, a blood clot will begin to form in the empty socket.
It is important not to disturb the site so that you do not accidentally dislodge the blood clot. This means keeping your fingers, tongue, and toothbrush away from the area. You will also want to avoid using a straw, as the suction can cause the clot to come loose and result in a condition known as dry socket, where your bone and nerves are exposed.
Days One to Three
The first three days are when immediate healing will occur, and this is also when you will experience the most swelling. Placing an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel against your cheek can help reduce inflammation and discomfort. Apply ice for about 20 minutes, then take a 20-minute break and continue this process for the first day or two. As the numbness from the anesthetic wears off, Dr. Ivey may recommend taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain management.
Stick to a diet of soft foods and be careful not to chew directly on your extraction site. If possible, chew on the opposite side of your mouth. Do not eat any foods that are hard, crunchy, crumbly, or have small seeds that may get caught in your now empty socket. After eating, drink plenty of water to clear away leftover food particles. Gently rinsing with warm saltwater can also promote healing and eliminate some bacteria in your mouth.
Days Four to Seven
After day three, the swelling should begin to resolve, and you will begin feeling better. Your gum tissue may be tender, but any bleeding should have stopped, and any discomfort should be minimal. You can start resuming some of your normal activities, such as returning to school or work, but you will want to avoid any strenuous exercise.
Continue eating softer foods and chewing on the opposite side of your mouth. You still want to take caution not to disturb the blood clot that has formed and keep your mouth as clean as possible.
Days Eight to 14
If you received dissolvable sutures, you may notice them starting to come apart and fall out during the next week. This is completely normal, and your gums will have mostly healed by this point, though they may still be sore. And while you cannot feel it, the socket where your tooth once was is slowly beginning to fill with new bone. This is a natural process that helps maintain the structure and integrity of your jaw.
After two weeks, you can begin transitioning back to your normal diet, still being careful not to bite directly on your extraction site or eat foods that are too hard, crunchy, or crumbly. It will take several weeks for the bone to fully fill in the socket and harden. You can also return to working out at the gym and doing more strenuous activities.
Recovering After Tooth Extractions
Dr. Ivey will provide post-operative instructions to support your healing and help you get back to good health. Many Centennial patients recover within a few days and return to their normal activities, though it takes longer for your gums and jaw to heal completely. Learn more about the tooth extraction process and what to expect from Ivey Oral and Facial Surgery.
