Tooth Extraction Healing Timelines: What’s Normal and What’s Not
Getting an extraction from the dentist can spark a lot of anxiety following the procedure, which is something we see often. However, contrary to many patients’ anxiety, healing typically follows a predictable pattern, and problems of concern aren’t as common as you might think. We’re here to provide reassurance and set expectations after your extraction, so you go into the healing process feeling more prepared and aware of what might be going on in your mouth. Let’s dive into the healing timeline after a tooth extraction and show what is normal versus what might not be.
The First 24 Hours
The first 24 hours after an extraction is typically when we start to look for blood clot formation, which is extremely important to the healing process. During this time, you will expect the most bleeding and oozing from the extraction site. Swelling will begin, and you’ll start to feel some discomfort as the anesthesia wears off, which is very normal. For the first 24 hours, bite down on gauze, rest, and apply ice in 20-minute intervals to promote healing and ease discomfort. You should avoid smoking, spitting, sucking through a straw, or vigorous rinsing of your mouth during this time as well. This is a critical time for healing, so it’s important to maintain habits that support healing in the first 24 hours.
Peak Swelling and Discomfort Following Extraction
Days two and three are usually the most uncomfortable, as this is when swelling peaks and discomfort sets in with no anesthesia left and reliance on pain management medications. With this being said, pain should be manageable with over-the-counter medication, and it should not be getting worse. You might notice slight bruising on your cheek or jaw, which is normal, and you can start salt water rinses at 24 hours post-op. These two days might be the most uncomfortable, but they’re also a pivotal moment for healing, when the process starts to improve significantly from this point forward.
Early Gum Tissue Healing
For the remainder of the week following your tooth extraction, you may notice that your bruising and swelling are fading and your tissues are starting to heal over the extraction site. The peak of healing is coming to an end as your body starts to restore tissues fully and slowly get back to normal. You may also notice your stitches have dissolved, or are starting to dissolve, and if you need to get them removed by your dentist, this is typically when the appointment will happen. Additionally, you’ll be able to start a normal, soft food diet from this point forward.
Socket Starts Fully Closing
Throughout the next two weeks, your body will focus on fully healing the extraction site by building tissues that will eventually close the socket. You might notice that the top of the gum is completely closed over and looks healed, but it’s important to remember that the inside is still not healed, so continue daily activities with caution. However, at this point, many people are back to their normal daily routines and exercise.
Internal Healing and Bone Remodeling
After the 33-weekpoint, your extraction site may look the same on the outside, but internal healing is what’s happening now. Your body is producing bone that will fill the socket underneath your gums, which is the most extensive part of your healing. Your gums will look and feel relatively normal, but the timeline for full healing varies by tooth and patient.
Warning Signs You Should Contact Your Dentist About
We understand that patients typically have a lot of anxiety following a procedure like a tooth extraction, so knowing what warning signs to watch out for can help ease any anxiety while giving you solid information about the healing process. Here is a look into some of the warning signs that warrant a call to your dentist:
Dry Socket
If your socket looks dry or empty, you are experiencing pain that radiates to your ear, and you are in severe pain 2 to 4 days post-op, this may be a sign it isn’t healing properly.
Possible Infection
Watch for infection with any procedure like this; signs include fever, pus from the socket, intense swelling 3 to 4 days post-op, and a foul taste or odor.
Bleeding
It’s normal to bleed, as this helps clot and start the healing process, but excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop with pressure should be addressed.
Numbness
You should typically start feeling some discomfort by 24 hours post op, which many patients will take over-the-counter medication for. However, if the numbness lasts more than 24 hours, then you should consult your dentist.
Preparing For Healing a Tooth Extraction
If you’ve had an extraction done or are preparing to get one, it’s important to understand what the healing process will look like. As a patient, it’s sometimes difficult to know when something is a concern versus when your body is naturally healing. This article should help clarify some of the anxiety around healing and the different stages you might see along the way. Remember to be aware of the warning signs that may present themselves and keep up with pain medication and habits to support healing and comfort during this process. Tooth extractions may seem scary for patients, which is normal, but many dentists have performed tens or hundreds throughout their careers. Familiarize yourself with the healing process so you can support faster, more comfortable healing after your tooth extraction!
