When you have an infected, damaged, or diseased tooth, chances are our doctors will need to perform a tooth extraction to preserve your overall oral health. At Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons in Peoria, our team of professionals has the experience to quickly and safely remove your tooth using the latest techniques and technologies.
Our doctors care about every patient and believe in educating them in every aspect of their procedure. Because it is possible that complications could occur after your tooth extraction, this blog will explain what you should expect during your recovery, how long the extraction site will take to heal on average, and how you can know if your tooth extraction area has properly healed.
Proper Healing After Tooth Extraction
When it comes to healing after a tooth extraction, Peoria patients should be careful to monitor the extraction area to ensure that it looks healthy. In truth, there are several stages of healing you will experience after your tooth extraction. You will know your gums are healing properly by keeping these stages in mind:
Within the first 24 hours, you can expect a naturally occurring clot to form where your tooth was extracted. If you feel discomfort during this time, it is completely normal and to be expected. You will also experience minor bleeding and swelling during this stage.
After the first day, patients should be careful to avoid dislodging the clot formed in the open socket. Doing so could cause a painful complication called dry socket. Avoid sucking on a straw and do not brush in the area of your tooth extraction.
About 3 days after your tooth extraction, your gums will begin to heal and close around the removal site.
And finally, 7-10 days after your procedure, the opening left by your extracted tooth should be closed (or almost closed), and your gums should no longer be tender or swollen.
When to Call Our Doctors
As you can see, it will take roughly 1-2 weeks for your tooth extraction site to completely heal; however, if you notice any of the following symptoms or signs, be sure to contact our doctors as soon as possible:
Fever
Intense pain in the jaw or gums
Numbness in the mouth
Swelling that will not subside
Excessive bleeding that will not stop
A bad taste within the mouth that will not go away
Evidence of pus within the open socket
Speed Up Your Recovery After Tooth Extraction
While every patient will heal differently and at a different rate, there are specific things our doctors recommend tooth extraction patients do in order to help speed up their recovery time, including:
- Carefully follow the aftercare instructions provided by our doctors.
- Take pain medication as directed to minimize discomfort.
- Do not remove the gauze placed in your open socket for at least 3-4 hours after your tooth extraction.
- After the first 24 hours, rinse your mouth with salt water several times a day.
- Ice your cheeks in the area of your extraction in 15-minute increments several times a day.
Call Associated Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons if You Have Any Questions
If you plan to have a tooth extraction and have additional questions regarding how to know if you are healing properly, do not hesitate to call our doctors in Peoria today at (309) 322-9463, and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
