The feeling of anxiety before tooth extraction is natural; many patients are interested in how long the wound after tooth extraction will heal and how long the recovery will last.
Understanding the different stages of healing can help you easily go through this period and ensure optimal results for oral health.
During recovery after surgical intervention in the oral cavity, it is important to carefully follow all postoperative instructions. Following these instructions can help speed up healing and reduce the risk of complications and infection.
How the healing process takes place
The first 24 hours after tooth extraction
During the first 24 hours after extraction, bleeding should stop, and a blood clot should form at the extraction site. It is important not to disturb the blood clot, as it serves as a protective barrier. A small swelling and inflammation are often observed on the side of the mouth where the extraction took place, as well as sensitivity of the gums around the extraction site.
After a few days, discomfort and swelling should gradually decrease. You may also notice slight bruising around this area, which is normal and part of the body’s natural reaction to surgery. Applying a cold compress to the outside of the cheek during the first day and taking painkillers can help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort.
The first 1–2 weeks after tooth extraction
Approximately 1–2 weeks after extraction, you should notice that the gums begin to seal the socket, gradually moving from the initial blood clot to the early stages of gum tissue formation. The surgical site will remain sensitive to touch and may bleed. Therefore, it is worth being careful to avoid irritating this area and to refrain from spicy or crunchy foods.
3–4 weeks after extraction
After 3–4 weeks, the area will be mostly filled with new gum tissue, possibly with a small indentation at the site of the tooth extraction. Although sensitivity to spicy or crunchy foods may persist, this area should no longer cause pain or irritation. It is important to note that although gum tissue heals relatively quickly, the healing process of the jawbone takes longer. Bone healing usually begins after one week, progresses to significant filling of the extraction site with new bone after ten weeks, and reaches almost complete filling after four months. After eight months following extraction, the edges of the new bone should be level with the old bone. During this period, bone tissue gradually hardens.
Week 4 and beyond
After the fourth week after tooth extraction, your attention is focused on long-term healing and optimal oral health. During this period, bone healing and socket preservation occur, laying the foundation for potential restorative treatments such as dental implants.
Regular follow-up visits to the dentist are essential to monitor healing progress and address any issues that may arise along the way. Patience and careful care are the key to a smooth recovery after tooth extraction.
Tips for optimal healing after tooth extraction
For promoting optimal healing after tooth extraction, careful postoperative care is necessary. By following these postoperative instructions and maintaining proper oral hygiene, you can promote a smoother and faster recovery process, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Tips for faster healing:
• proper oral hygiene practices: gentle cleaning of teeth and tongue to keep the extraction site clean;
• avoiding vigorous rinsing or spitting to maintain clot formation;
• consuming soft, nutrient-rich foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies; avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that may irritate the extraction site;
• consuming plenty of fluids to maintain hydration and help the body eliminate toxins;
• avoiding smoking, as it can interfere with healing and increase the likelihood of problems;
• avoiding heavy physical exertion;
• following the dentist’s instructions when taking any prescribed medications.
How to know if the tooth extraction site is infected?
Signs of infection at the extraction site include:
• persistent, increasing pain after the first few days;
• swelling that worsens over time;
• prolonged or excessive bleeding;
• unpleasant odor or taste in the mouth;
• fever or chills;
• difficulty opening the mouth or swallowing.
These symptoms may indicate complications such as dry socket, which requires immediate consultation with a dentist.
Is the tooth extraction site healing correctly?
Signs of proper healing after tooth extraction include:
• reduction of pain and swelling within a few days;
• formation of a clot in the socket;
• appearance of pink tissue over the extraction site;
• normal or slightly elevated body temperature.
How should the tooth socket look during healing?
The tooth socket, the hollow space in the jawbone where the tooth root was located, plays a crucial role in healing after tooth extraction.
Immediately after extraction, a normal socket usually shows a blood clot. This clot is essential for protecting nerve endings and promoting the healing process. At this stage, there should be no excessive pain or swelling; the main goal is to keep the blood clot intact.
Over the next few days, the clot may appear whitish or yellowish as it becomes firmer and begins to integrate with the surrounding tissues. As healing progresses, the socket should gradually fill with new pink granular tissue. Eventually, the socket should heal completely, with gum tissue forming that precisely matches the surrounding area, and without signs of infection or inflammation.
Choosing the right oral surgeon is crucial to ensuring smooth and successful tooth extraction, including wisdom teeth. A qualified surgeon will not only perform the procedure with precision but also provide support throughout the entire recovery process.
Choose the professionals of the YAREMA DENTAL clinic to receive safe and effective treatment.