The incision typically heals and closes within 7 days following a simple extraction of a small tooth. Adhering to a diet of soft foods and having excellent oral hygiene will greatly improve your chances of recovering more quickly. Tooth extraction is the process of removing a tooth from its socket in the gum socket.
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How Long Does It Take for a Hole to Close After a Tooth Extraction?
The time required for a hole to recover completely depends on a variety of factors. These factors may include the type of extraction conducted, the size of the tooth, and the difficulty of the extraction.
Simple Extraction
Simple tooth extractions are carried out on conspicuous teeth that have already erupted from the gums. The wound typically heals and closes within 7 days after the extraction of a small tooth with a single root. The cavity left by the extraction of a large tooth with multiple roots heals after 3 weeks, but complete healing and closure may take several months.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
Since surgical tooth extraction is more extensive, the tooth socket takes longer to heal compared to a simple extraction. Tissues and bone are severed under the gingival line, throughout surgical extractions.
After surgery, your tooth socket will be almost fully or fully closed in 6 weeks. Another couple of months may be required for the indentation to fill and the repair to be completed after a surgical tooth extraction.
The extraction site can recover between 7 days and 3 weeks depending on the size of the extracted tooth. Know the advantages and potential risks of tooth extraction.
See more about Preparing for tooth extraction.
What are the Healing Stages of a Hole After Tooth Extraction?
The recovery of a hole after tooth extraction begins as soon as surgery is complete, but it takes time. The healing process begins when a blood clot forms over the wound. The tooth cavity will begin to close visibly as the gum tissues heal and regenerate in a few days. Your tooth hole should recover completely without any indentation within 1 to 4 months, depending on the extent of your surgery.
24 to 48 Hours After Tooth Extraction
In the first 24 to 48 hours following extraction, a blood clot will begin to form over the wound. This blood coagulation prevents pathogens and food particles from entering the opening. It allows for the development of bone and periodontal tissue and is a crucial initial step in the recovery process.
While the tooth hole won’t be visible to the human eye, new gum tissue has already started to form around the hole. There will be a gradual cessation of bleeding from the wound during this period. Swelling and pain will persist on the side of your mouth where your tooth was extracted.
7 to 21 Days After Tooth Removal
As your gums recover and regenerate, the space vacated by your missing tooth will close gradually. The stitches will begin to dissolve or will be removed. Molars, huge tooth extractions, and any impacted tooth have the longest recovery periods.
1 to 4 Months After Tooth Extraction Procedure
Depending on how much of a tooth was extracted, the hole left by the extracted tooth should recover completely and be free of imprints. In addition, new bone must fully fill the void left by the socket of the tooth in the jawline.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Recovery of the Tooth Extraction Hole?
- Cover the area with gauze for a minimum of 30 minutes following surgery. This will promote blood clot formation in the cavity of your tooth.
- Take a rest for your body to recover.
- Consult your dentist or surgeon regarding your medications. Some medications, such as blood thinners, can delay the healing of a tooth cavity.
- Drink a lot of water. The water should be at room temperature.
- Keep the area clean by rinsing with saline water.
- Eat soft foods only for the first few days.
- Place a cold compress to the outside of your face to reduce edema.
What Factors Delay the Healing of the Tooth Extraction Hole?
- Genetics – Your genes may affect how quickly or slowly your wounds recover.
- Age – Everything slows down, including the stages of wound healing during the aging process.
- Medical history – Chronic diseases can hinder the recovery of wounds. This includes coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer.
- Smoking – Smoking distorts the immune system and can postpone or prolong recovery, leading to the risk of infection on the site of the wound.
- Certain medications, such as blood thinners, can slow down the recovery of a tooth cavity.
- Dry socket – A dry socket prevents new bone and soft tissue formation aimed at concealing the blood clot.
Why is My Tooth Extraction Hole Not Closing?
Although the gum tissue will enclose the empty socket completely, the bones will not recover fully. Schedule an appointment with your dentist immediately if you observe an unfilled socket in your gums after tooth extraction. Slow healing or recurrent dry sockets can increase the probability that an infection will develop.
Do Some Teeth Heal Differently After a Tooth Extraction?
Patients heal at various paces following an extraction. It is essential to maintain the utmost level of cleanliness in your mouth and at the extraction site. Ensure that the tooth socket remains clear of food and debris. Avoid rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours to help in the healing process. Doing so will drastically reduce your recovery time.
What you should know about Tooth Extraction besides healing time?
After extracting fractured tooth, it’s important to know that some pain and swelling is normal, but excessive bleeding or severe pain may indicate a complication. Follow your dentist’s instructions for best care. The tooth extraction price can vary depending on various factors such as the complexity of the extraction and your location, so it’s best to discuss the costs with your dentist beforehand.
Dr. Michael Ayzin is a doctor of dentistry at Dentistry At Its Finest who counsels patients on aftercare following tooth extraction. Dr. Michael Ayzin makes sure that every one of his patients obtains the knowledge they need to heal quickly and painlessly. Learn more about us.
