How Long Does It Take To Recover After a Tooth Extraction?

    Tooth Extraction

    The procedure of getting a tooth removed from your jaw is not something that you can get behind easily. You may have a number of questions about the procedure itself, but mainly, your questions may only focus on the ‘after’ part of tooth extraction. Most importantly, about how long will it take to recover after the extraction?

    While the answer depends on a number of factors that are often different for different people, it is more important to first understand why you needed a tooth removal in the first place. A tooth is extracted from your mouth under the following conditions:

    • Large cavity or extensive damage that is beyond repair
    • Advanced gum disease weakening the bone that supports it
    • In babies, a tooth not falling off naturally and obstructing the adult teeth.
    • To create room for denture, implant, or orthodontic treatment.
    • Painful, impacted, or infected teeth

    Recovery Time from a Tooth Extraction

    As mentioned earlier, recovery times often depend on a number of factors that include the size and location of the tooth, dental health, and the patient following proper aftercare conditions. Under most ideal conditions for a simple extraction (where the extracted tooth had already erupted), the recovery usually takes a very short amount of time. Typically, you will be asked to take 48 to 72 hours to relax so that a blood clot can form on the site of the extraction. Post that, the patient can return to normal activities with the soft tissue healing in about 3 to 4 weeks.

    However, for a surgical extraction where the extracted tooth hadn?t erupted, the process takes a little longer. While the relaxation period of 48 to 72 hours will remain in order to allow the blood clot to form, the doctor will advise an additional 1 week of rest before the patient can resume normal activities. As far as time off from work is concerned, it mostly depends on the level of physical strain the work takes. Highly strenuous jobs where there is a need for physical activity would need to wait for a while before a patient can resume work.

    Recovery Tips for Tooth Extraction

    Tooth extraction needs the formation of a blood clot over the site of tooth removal in order to protect it from foreign agents while the site heals. For a speedy and unharmed recovery, here are a few helpful tips.

    • Avoid brushing, flossing, or chewing with the treatment site for a few days.
    • Avoid straws, spitting, or rinsing the mouth for at least 24 hours.
    • Do not smoke
    • Limit your physical activity
    • Sleep with your head at an elevated position in order to avoid bleeding
    • Use a cold compress from the outside for swelling.

    Tooth extraction is not a pleasant experience, but it does not have to be any more unpleasant than it is. With the right care and right set of activities, you can recover from a tooth extraction in a few weeks easily. If you have any more questions about tooth removal or other procedures, then consult dentist near you today. They will suggest you the right solution.

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