How long does it take to Recuperate from a tooth extraction?

Why is tooth extraction done?

Although permanent teeth are meant to last, our dentist may recommend tooth extraction if the situation demands it. Such situations include:

• A crowded mouth. The goal of an orthodontist is to align your teeth properly. This may be impossible if your teeth are too big for the mouth. Additionally, if your tooth can’t erupt because of insufficient space in your mouth, our dentist may pull it to decongest the mouth.
• Infection. If tooth decay has extended to the pulp, bacteria in the mouth can lead to severe conditions. The pulp is the center part of your tooth, made up of nerves and blood vessels. Our dentist at Satsuma Family Dental will correct this with a root canal or antibiotics if the infection is severe. If these therapies don’t work, our dental team has no option but to pull your teeth.
• Risk of infection. If your immune system is weak, such as going through chemotherapy sessions or due for an organ transplant, it is advisable to extract your tooth. Chemotherapy can cause changes in the lining of the mouth and your salivary glands. The changes can trigger mouth sores, infection, and tooth decay. Therefore, if you are at risk of cavities and your immune system is weak, teeth extraction is your ideal option.
• Gum disease. It is an infection of tooth structures that surrounds and supports the teeth. If the periodontal disease has led to loose teeth, our dentist may recommend pulling the teeth.
• Tooth breakage due to an accident. If your tooth breaks near the gum line, and there’s no visible tooth structure to attach a restoration such as a crown. The tooth may need to be extracted.

Take note that teeth extraction can be either surgical or simple, as elaborated below.

• Simple extraction. We put you under local anesthesia and numb the area around the tooth to be pulled. Our dental team uses instruments to loosen the tooth and then extract it.
• Surgical extraction. During the oral surgery, our dentist will put you under local and general anesthesia. You will be unconscious as the surgeon cuts into your gums to remove bone around the tooth or cut the tooth before extracting it.

How Long Does It Take to Recuperate from an Extraction?

The recovery period varies from patient to patient. It depends on the following factors;

• The size and the location of the tooth
• A patient’s dental health
• The type of tooth extraction
• Patients compliance with the aftercare instructions

For a simple extraction, our oral surgeon at Satsuma Family Dental will request you to rest for the first 24 hours to allow clot formation. After this, you can resume your usual activities but avoid strenuous activities. Typically, the soft tissue will heal after 3 to 4 weeks.

If you had oral surgery, the recovery time is a little longer. Our dentist recommends you rest for the first 48 to 72 hours. Afterward, limit physical activities for about a week before resuming normal activities.

How to Hasten The Recovery Process?

After tooth extraction, take care of your mouth to have a seamless recovery. Follow the following self-care tips for quick and easy recovery:

• Apply an ice pack to the cheeks after the procedure to reduce swelling hold the ice pack for 10 minutes. Take a break and repeat the process. The swelling subsides after 2 to 3 days.
• Take prescribed medications as directed.
• Avoid using a straw for 24 hours.
• Elevate your head when you lie down.
• Do not smoke
• Avoiding brushing or rinsing your mouth for 24 hours after tooth extraction
• After 24 hours, rinse your mouth with warm salty water.
• Eat soft foods like yogurt after the procedure.
• As you heal, reintroduce other foods in your diet but slowly.
• Limit strenuous physical activity to avoid dry socket
• After some days, brush and floss your teeth but avoid the surgical site.

Take Away

Modern technology and anesthesia have made tooth extractions quick and straightforward. Don’t bear tooth pain because of teeth extraction phobia. Consult our endodontist near you to pull the teeth and see you through easy and quick recovery. Book an appointment today.