Even though everyone wants their permanent teeth to last for a lifetime, many reasons call for tooth extraction.

When your teeth get severely damaged beyond repair due to factors like decay or a dental emergency, extraction is the only choice you are left with.

If you are getting your tooth extracted, you would be eager to know the tooth extraction recovery timeline.

For those who are getting their teeth pulled anytime soon, here is a short guide on tooth extraction healing stages.

To learn what the aftermath would look like, scroll down!

Learn more: 18 Things to Avoid After Tooth Extraction in Canada

What Takes Place Following a Tooth Extraction?

If you want to learn the tooth extraction healing stages, you must be aware of the things that happen after the extraction.

Following a tooth extraction, the socket left in the jaw heals in three phases.

According to an article, the inflammatory phase is the initial stage of the tooth extraction healing stages.

Granulation tissue grows over the wound, the tissue becomes irritated, and a blood clot forms inside the socket.

Within a week of the surgery, the clot is normally replaced with new tissue. The proliferative phase, which occurs after this, is when the wound starts to heal.

The maturation phase is the last stage of the tooth extraction healing stages. The healing area is filled with collagenous connective tissue, new bone networks, and structures formed by the cells in the location.

After that, you may probably still feel a little swollen and uncomfortable, especially on the second day.

After a few days, patients can start eating normally again, and a week later, the edema reduces.

However, it can take up to two weeks for the swelling to go completely away. After two weeks, you will usually return to your dentist for a post-operative check-up. They will evaluate your healing at that point to make sure your recovery is going well.

Every patient will heal at a different rate following a tooth extraction.

A few things may impact on tooth extraction healing stages and how long it takes.

These are those factors:

Diabetes
Treatment with oral radiation
Your genes
Some drugs

Moreover, there are certain illnesses, such as HIV, that slow down the tooth extraction healing stages by affecting immunity.

Consult your dentist if you have any concerns about these elements or believe the extraction site's healing process is taking too long.

3 Tooth Extraction Healing Stages

The tooth extraction healing stages are divided into the following:

The Initial Phase

During the first three days after tooth extraction, your attention should be directed toward urgent post-extraction treatment.

This involves paying close attention to your dentist's advice to promote appropriate healing.

Biting down on gauze to encourage blood clot formation is essential during this time, as it helps with healing and stops excessive bleeding.

Controlling pain and swelling using cold compresses and medications is important for recovery during tooth extraction healing stages.

Furthermore, maintaining a soft food diet and steering clear of hot, spicy, or crunchy meals can aid in preventing extraction site discomfort and fostering the best possible healing outcome.

1.The First Stage of Recovery

As you enter the first healing phase, which lasts from the fourth to the seventh day after extraction, your dissolvable stitches can emerge.

To stop infections and encourage healing, continue practicing good dental hygiene, which includes brushing gently and rinsing with salt water.

2.Second Healing Phase

Usually, this phase comes in the second week of the tooth extraction healing stages.

You will see improvements in gum regeneration and soft tissue healing as you enter the second and third weeks following extraction.

However, it's essential to watch for any indications of infection or problems, including dry sockets, which may require further dental care.

Reintroducing regular food and schedule gradually while exercising caution near the extraction site can promote continued healing and help you avoid setbacks.

If you want to know the signs and DIY treatments of dry sockets, read this blog.

3.Prolonged Recovery

After the fourth week following extraction, your attention turns to long-term recovery and ideal dental health.

Bone mending and socket preservation take place during this time, preparing the way for future restorative procedures like dental implants.

It's essential to schedule routine follow-up visits with your dentist to track the healing process and treat any issues that may come up.

What To Do During Tooth Extraction Healing Stages: Care Tips

Here are some of the things that can facilitate the tooth extraction healing stages:

1.Get Enough Sleep

To accelerate the tooth extraction healing stages, you need to receive enough rest and relaxation to let the extraction site heal.

It is best to maintain your head upright to stop continuous blood flow and allow a clot to form.

2.Let Clot Form in the Extraction Area

After your tooth is extracted, you will likely suffer bleeding. Eventually, a clot will form, which will help in the day-by-day tooth extraction healing stages.

Post-surgery, you may need to change out your gauze for up to an hour, but eventually, a clot will form at the extraction site, stopping additional bleeding.

Keep food particles and objects away from the extraction site to reduce the risk of infection. Failure to allow a clot to form can raise the risk of infection.

3.Treat Any Pain or Swelling

During the tooth extraction recovery timeline, it's normal to have pain or swelling, which may linger for three days.

Always have an ice pack on hand to relieve any discomfort or swelling. To help reduce the swelling, you can apply ice to your cheek every ten minutes.

4.Obtain Fluids

In addition to keeping your body hydrated, drinking water keeps your teeth clear of microorganisms.

Throughout the tooth extraction healing stages, you should drink a lot of water to keep the extraction site clean and avoid infection.

However, keep in mind that drinking through a straw can agitate the extraction site because of the sucking motion.

For at least four days following your extraction, refrain from consuming alcohol or fizzy drinks since they may harm the clot at your extraction site and result in difficulties.

5.Avoid Eating Hard or Chewy Foods

To prevent food particles and bacteria from accumulating in the extraction site, consume soft, high-nutrient foods during the initial recovery period.

6.Quit Smoking

Smoking has negative health effects and raises the risk of dry sockets, which frequently result in infection.

So, during the tooth extraction healing stages, try not to smoke.

7.Refrain From Poking the Clot

Lastly, you should refrain from prodding the extraction site with your fingers, tongue or any other object during tooth extraction healing stages.

FAQs

What can I anticipate from a tooth extraction in the first twenty-four hours?

You should expect some bleeding during the first 24 hours, which stops and forms a clot at the extraction site. Discomfort and swelling are also normal.

How should I handle my post-tooth extraction discomfort and swelling?

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, two over-the-counter painkillers, can help control discomfort. During the first 24 to 48 hours, place an ice pack on the outside of your cheek for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.

What should be avoided during the tooth extraction healing stages?

Smoking may impede the healing process and raise the possibility of problems like dry sockets.
Avoid strenuous activities for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours in order to stop bleeding more heavily.
Using a straw can impede healing by displacing the blood clot.
Avoid hard or crunchy foods.

The Bottom Line

This is what you may experience during the tooth extraction healing stages. The recovery time differs from person to person due to various factors like general health, immunity, and genetics.

It's critical to relax, refrain from physically demanding activities, and adhere to your dentist's post-operative care instructions.

By following all the tips mentioned above, you are less likely to face infection-related problems.

Give your dentist a call as soon as you sense something is off so they can take a close look at the region.

If you are looking for professionals who will make the entire tooth extraction process seamless, contact KWC Dental.

Tooth Extraction Healing Stages: Tips For Immediate Post-Extraction Care