"V体育官网入口" Tooth Extraction

How long does recovery take?

Recovery after a tooth extraction depends on several factors, like the size and condition of the affected tooth. But most people feel back to normal in a few days.

You’ll be able to return to routine activities within 48 to 72 hours of a tooth extraction. But it usually takes the jawbone several weeks to heal completely. Most people can return to work or school within a day or two. If you have a job that requires a lot of lifting or physical labor, you may need to take a few more days off work.

If you’re planning on replacing the tooth with a dental implant, you’ll probably need to wait a few months while the socket heals.

How does a tooth extraction heal?

An empty tooth socket heals from the bottom, up. Here’s how the process works:

1. Bleeding begins after extraction.
2. A blood clot forms, which prevents dry socket and protects your jawbone and nerves.
3. The blood clot starts to integrate with the tissue around it. The area might have a whitish appearance. (This is normal and isn’t a sign of infection.)
4. Your tooth socket fills in with new tissue. You might see a small indentation during this healing stage.
5. Your gums fully heal, and the new tissue looks healthy.

If you’re worried about your progress, here’s a good rule of thumb: A normal socket after tooth extraction will look strange at first. For a large tooth, like a molar, it could take up to four months for your jaw to fully heal. Still, you should call your dentist if you develop signs of infection like fever or drainage from the surgical site.

Tooth extraction aftercare

Below are some things to do — and some things to avoid — after your tooth extraction:

Do:

• Eat soft foods. Stock your fridge and pantry with soft foods like rice, pasta, eggs, yogurt and applesauce.
• Keep the extraction site clean. Gently rinse the area with an antimicrobial mouthwash two to three times a day. Avoid brushing directly over your extraction site until your dentist tells you it’s safe to do so. Brush and floss all other areas normally.
• Take all medications as directed. Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics and pain relievers. It’s important to take all these medications exactly as directed. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers, like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.

Don’t:

• Do any strenuous activity or lift anything over 10 pounds. Elevating your heart rate can cause more pain and bleeding. Skip the gym for the first 48 to 72 hours. Ask your dentist when it’s safe to resume normal routines.
• Poke at the extraction site. It might be tempting to check the area with your tongue. But constantly doing this can disrupt healing.
• Smoke or vape. Vaping or smoking after tooth extraction constricts (shrinks) your blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the extraction site. Reduced blood flow means less oxygen for your healing tissues.
• Spit or rinse vigorously. Use gentle motions when rinsing or spitting. Being too aggressive can dislodge stitches or protective blood clots.
• Use straws. Drinking through a straw can disrupt the blood clot and cause a dry socket.

Your dentist will give you a detailed list of post-surgical instructions. Be sure to ask them if you have specific questions regarding your recovery.