How Long does a Simple Extraction Take to Heal?
A tooth extraction is a relatively straightforward, simple procedure that entails minimal risk and side effects. A dentist will always do everything they can to save a tooth, but in some cases a tooth cannot be saved. This can be caused by many factors including disease, decay, trauma, or overcrowding. Depending on the location of the tooth and accessibility, a dentist may use one of two types of extractions: simple or surgical. If a tooth is visible above the gum line and accessible, dentists will almost always opt for a simple extraction. If you’ve been told you need a simple extraction, you may be wondering what will the healing process might look and feel like?
Pain from a tooth extraction
In general, pain from a simple extraction is minimal both during and after the procedure. Your dentist will use a local anesthesia to numb the area of the extraction which will prevent you from feeling pain while the procedure is happening. Following the procedure and the local anesthesia wears off, pain levels are typically minimal and can be treated with at home remedies such as cold compresses and saltwater rinses or with over-the-counter pain medication.
What are the general symptoms following a simple extraction?
After a simple extraction, you can expect some minor swelling and pain. This pain should be tolerable though and easily treated with over-the-counter pain meds. Similarly, the swelling from the procedure is easily treatable with a cold compress.
What is the recovery timeline following an extraction?
In general, the timeline of recovery from a simple extraction for most patients is similar and short lived. There are circumstances that can impact the timeline of recovery such as lack of attention to recovery care following the procedure, smoking, or other general health issues. In most cases though you can expect the recovery to take about a week. During the immediate 24 hours following the procedure, it is important to stick to soft lukewarm foods and drink to not further damage the extraction site. Then after 24 hours, you will begin using a saltwater rinse which will help the socket heal. Most people are usually fully healed within a week.
How can you minimize discomfort following an extraction?
Following the procedure, your dentist will provide you with care instructions. In general, these instructions will involve eating soft foods that are lukewarm, performing saltwater rinses especially after eating, and using cold compresses when necessary to reduce swelling. The dentist will also guide you on how to brush and floss to minimize agitation to the extraction site. If you follow the dentist’s guidance, your pain will be minimal and the recovery time short.
If you’ve been told you need a simple extraction or have just had one, your recovery in general should be short and minimally painful. If you follow your dentist’s recommendations and care for the extraction site, you will heal quickly and be back to a normal diet and routine in no time.