Tooth extractions are one of the most common dental procedures and have been carried out since the 5th century B.C, according to the Journal of the History of Dentistry. Keeping an original tooth in place is ideal, but there are certain situations when removing the tooth is the best option. This is the case when a tooth is severely damaged or decayed, and occasionally if there is severe crowding.
Although people have been pulling teeth for eons, modern tooth extractions are much safer and less uncomfortable than they once were. Thanks to advancements in dental techniques and medications, healing is generally faster and less painful. Still, most people want to know how long the pain will last after a tooth extraction and how it will affect their life afterward.
Healing Timeline for a Tooth Extraction
The time for each stage of healing can vary from person to person. It depends on the severity of the original problem, whether sutures were necessary, and how well the patient follows aftercare procedures. However, most people will completely heal within about 3 weeks in the following stages.
First 24 Hours After Extraction
Directly after the procedure, a piece of gauze should be held in place by biting down on the extraction site to help stop the bleeding. The gauze can be removed once a blood clot begins to form.
Pain won’t be felt at first, due to numbing medications administered during the procedure. Within the first 24 hours, it’s normal to have some discomfort, swelling, and slight bleeding. Once the anesthetic wears off, there will be some minor pain and soreness. Swelling usually peaks around 24 hours after the extraction. Over-the-counter pain relievers will help discomfort and an ice pack can minimize swelling.
It is important not to disturb the blood clot during this time, as it is a crucial part of the healing process.
2-3 Days After Extraction
Over the next couple of days, the pain and swelling should subside, but there might still be some tenderness around the tooth extraction site. The bleeding should stop completely by the third day.
One of the biggest concerns over this healing period is preventing dry socket. A dry socket can form if the blood clot does not stay in place, exposing the underlying nerves and bone. This can cause extreme pain and delayed healing. Smokers are at a greater risk of dry socket. According to a study in the Open Dentistry Journal, the incidence of dry socket after tooth extraction was 12% in smokers and only 4% in non-smokers.
During the first few days, hard and crunchy foods should be avoided, as well as chewing on the side of the tooth extraction site.
Most people can return to work during this time, unless their job involves strenuous activity. Strenuous work can increase blood pressure and lead to bleeding during healing. This kind of work should be avoided for a few additional days.
1-2 Weeks After Extraction
At this point, the clot should be fully formed and pain, swelling, and bleeding should have completely subsided. However, the site is not completely healed so brushing and chewing should be done carefully.
If there is still pain or bleeding, contact the dentist for a follow-up appointment.
3 Weeks After Extraction
The tooth extraction should be completely healed around this time, but may still be a little sensitive. To avoid future complications, it is important to practice good oral hygiene to ensure that food does not build up in any indentations, and to schedule regular dental checkups.
What does a Tooth Extraction Look Like?
When a tooth is removed, it will leave a hole in the gumline. At first, the tooth extraction site will have a dark-reddish scab after the bleeding has stopped. As healing begins to occur, it is normal for granulation tissue to form. Granulation tissue is a whitish material consisting of a mixture of white blood cells, collagen, and blood vessels. After the first couple of days, the gums should begin to close around the extraction hole.
Post-Extraction Care
Aftercare for a tooth extraction mostly consists of managing pain, keeping the wound clean, and keeping the clot intact. A dentist or oral surgeon will likely make the following recommendations:
- Avoid exercise or strenuous activity for the first few days.
- Do not rinse within the first 24 hours.
- Do not disturb the clot with your tongue or a toothbrush (but continue to brush remaining teeth).
- Keep your head elevated for the first couple of days to reduce bleeding.
- Avoid smoking and drinking with a straw.
- Apply pressure to the wound if it bleeds (using gauze).
- Eat soft foods.
- Use pain medications as directed.
When to Call a Dentist
The possible risks after a tooth extraction are typically infection and dry socket, as discussed earlier. Symptoms of infection in a tooth extraction site are similar to symptoms of tooth infection and include fever, bad breath, pain, pus at the infection site, and swelling that continues after the first couple of days.
Dry socket can usually be identified by the loss of the blood clot and visible bone in the wound. This is generally very painful and may be accompanied by infection.
Call a dentist if any of these symptoms are present, especially if they persist beyond the first 2-3 days or if medication is not helping.
Make an appointment through Dental Health Society for more information or to determine if a tooth extraction is the best option for you.