How long does it take pulled tooth to heal

Each individual undergoing a tooth extraction will experience a different healing time. As the Frontiers in Physiology article notes, certain factors may affect your recovery and total extraction healing time, such as:

• Diabetes
• Oral radiation treatment
• Your biological profile
• Certain medications
• HIV or another condition causing a weakened immune system

If you are concerned about any of these factors or are worried your extraction site is taking too long to heal, speak with your dental provider.

Wisdom Tooth Extraction Healing Time

The healing time following a wisdom tooth extraction may last up to two weeks, according to the NHS. After removal of these large molar teeth at the back of the mouth, the gums and bone will take some time to fully heal, and the soft tissue may be sensitive for a few weeks. Some patients may only experience discomfort for a few days, and others may feel little to no discomfort.

Tips for a Speedy Recovery

To speed up your tooth extraction healing time, you can take measures to protect the open socket and avoid disturbing the blood clot. Bupa recommends not rinsing your mouth for 24 hours after the extraction. On the second day, gently rinse your mouth with a solution of one teaspoon of salt dissolved in a glass of warm water. Bupa recommends brushing your teeth from the evening of your extraction, but keep your toothbrush away from the wound to begin with, moving closer towards the socket each day. But be careful to avoid vigorous spitting or rinsing.

Don't avoid eating, but choose soft foods and chew on the side of your mouth that is opposite from the extraction site. If your cheek swells up, you should hold a cold pack to the outside of your mouth for 20 minutes, then remove it for 20 minutes. If the swelling continues longer than 24 hours after the extraction, use a hot pack in the same way. You should not smoke or use any tobacco products for at least three days following the procedure.

A tooth extraction is traumatic to your mouth, but your body begins the healing process quickly. After a few days, you may even momentarily forget you've undergone the dental procedure. Treat the site of the extraction gently and follow your dentist's advice for the fastest healing and best outcome.

The first two days after a tooth extraction is when the most aftercare and attention is needed. Here are some tips to make the most of this time:

• Leave the gauze your dentist placed in your mouth for a few hours to allow the blood clot to form. Then you can change it as often as needed.
• Rest for at least 24 hours after the extraction.
• Raise your head slightly when lying down.
• Avoid rinsing your mouth right away, as it can dislodge the clot that's forming, affecting your healing time.
• Avoid drinking with a straw and spitting.
• Avoid hot liquids and or alcohol.
• If possible, avoid blowing your nose and sneezing.
• Don't smoke or use any tobacco products for at least three days following the procedure.
• Take pain relievers as prescribed. They can also reduce inflammation.
• Reduce or minimize swelling with an ice pack on your cheek for 10-20 minutes at a time.

Day 3 And Beyond

Once your blood clot has formed, take these simple precautions to prevent other issues until your gum has healed completely:

• Rinse your mouth with a saline rinse or warm salt water to kill bacteria.
• Continue regular brushing and using water flossers or interdental brushes, but avoid cleaning the teeth next to the extracted tooth.
• Eat soft, healthy foods and snacks that don't require a lot of chewing, like soups, yogurts, and similar foods. Avoid foods like nuts, hard candy, steak, and chewing on ice.

What Are Some Recovery Concerns?

If you're experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should contact your dental professional:

• If pain after your tooth extraction increases rather than decreases.
• If gum swelling after your tooth extraction gets worse with time.
• If your blood does not clot and your bleeding does not improve (a condition called dry socket).
• If you experience a high fever, nausea, or vomiting.
• If you have severe pain that spreads to the ear.
• Or if you have drainage from the wound that tastes or smells foul.

Learn about dry socket prevention.

According to a study published in The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, caries and periodontal disease were the most common causes of extraction in their study population. Thankfully these conditions are preventable by practicing good oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day, and don't forget to brush your tongue. Consider using other helpful products like an antimicrobial mouthrinse and tongue scrapers. And be sure to see your dental professional for regular appointments. By visiting your dental professional regularly, you are better positioned to catch adverse effects on your teeth early so you can prevent avoidable extractions.

Recovery time and healing differ for everyone, but now you should be better prepared for what you can expect after your procedure. Ask your dental professional if you have any questions – they're certain to give you the best aftercare advice for your specific needs. With an experienced dental professional and some good self-care after your procedure, the next time you hear "It's like pulling a tooth!" you may respond, "So it's not that bad?" In fact, it may just make you smile.

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