When you have a tooth that’s causing you trouble, sometimes the best solution is to have it removed. This process is called tooth extraction. It’s a common dental procedure done to alleviate pain or prevent further issues.
Before we dive into recovery, let’s briefly understand what happens during a tooth extraction near you. When you have a tooth taken out, it means the dentist or oral surgeon is removing a tooth from its place in your jawbone. They do this while you’re numb from anaesthesia.
There are two main types: simple and surgical. Simple means they can see the tooth and take it out easily. Surgical is more complicated and might require cutting into your gums to get the tooth out.
Immediate Post-Extraction Care
After you get a dental extraction, it’s really important to take good care of where the tooth used to be so it can heal up right and not get infected. Your dentist will tell you exactly what to do, but here are some basic things to remember:
- Bite gently on gauze pads to help stop the bleeding.
- Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Don’t rinse or spit too hard to avoid knocking out the blood clot.
- Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on the spot where the tooth was removed.
- Take medicines your dentist gave you exactly as they told you, like painkillers or antibiotics.
The First 24 Hours
The first day after getting a tooth pulled is super important for getting better. You might feel some pain, your face might swell up a bit, and you might see some bleeding. But don’t worry, it’s all normal. Here’s what you can expect during the first day of getting your tooth out:
- Pain and discomfort: You may experience mild to moderate pain around the extraction site. You can use over-the-counter pain medications to help with any discomfort.
- Swelling: Swelling around the extraction site is common and usually peaks within the first 48 hours. Placing ice packs on your face can help bring down any swelling.
- Bleeding: Some bleeding is normal after a tooth extraction. Bite down on gauze pads to help control bleeding and avoid activities that may increase blood flow to the area, such as strenuous exercise.
Recovery Timeline
After getting a normal or wisdom tooth extraction, how long it takes to fully heal is different for everyone. At first, it takes about one to two weeks for the hole where the tooth was to close up and for your gums to start healing. But it might take a few weeks to a few months for everything to heal completely, depending on how hard the extraction was and how healthy you are.
Long-Term Care
Even after the initial healing period, it’s important to continue practicing good oral hygiene to prevent infection and promote long-term oral health. Here are some tips for maintaining oral health after a tooth extraction:
- Continue to brush and floss regularly, being careful to avoid the extraction site.
- Gargle with warm salt water to keep the area clean and help it heal faster.
- Attend follow-up appointments at a pediatric dentist near you to monitor the healing process and address any concerns.
After getting a tooth pulled, it takes just a few days for the pain to calm down, but it might take a few weeks for your mouth to fully recover. You might still feel a bit sore and swollen during this time, but it should get better as your mouth heals. Make sure to go to any appointments your dentist sets up to check how you’re doing and make sure everything’s getting better as it should.
To sum up, how long it takes to heal after getting a tooth pulled can be different for everyone. Usually, the first healing stage lasts a few days, but it might take a few weeks to fully recover. Just do what your dentist says and take good care of your mouth to help it heal quickly and without problems.
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