One of the most common questions asked to us by our patients at Dental Innovations in Mesa is how long it takes for an extraction socket or the gums to heal after a tooth extraction? This led to the creation of this blog post. This blog will give you an insight and help you understand the healing process after your tooth is removed. 

How is a Tooth Extracted?

Before we see how gums heal after a tooth extraction, let us take a brief look at how teeth are extracted at Dental Innovations, Mesa. The process of tooth extraction will vary depending upon the extent of damage and location of the tooth. 

Tooth extractions can be broadly classified as a simple and surgical extraction. Our emergency dentist will analyze your teeth and decide which approach to go with for seamless and uneventful healing. 

Simple extractions are carried under local anesthesia to ensure maximum comfort and a pain-free experience. Dr. Baker will reflect the gum and loosen the offending tooth with the help of specialized dental extraction forceps and elevators. Once the tooth is adequately loosened, it is removed with the use of forceps. If required, our emergency dentist may also place sutures for proper healing. 

Surgical extractions tend to be a little more invasive and are reserved for situations where the damage is extensive and has reached the gum line or when an impacted wisdom tooth is removed. Surgical extractions are also done under local anesthesia. Next, Dr. Baker will give precise incisions near the gums of the intended tooth. The gums are reflected to expose the bone and the teeth. Then specialized dental instruments are used to loosen the tooth and remove it. At times, the tooth may have to be released in sections. Our emergency dentist at Mesa, AZ, will inform you about the removal process before you come in for your surgery. You will be given sutures to make sure the gums are secured in place and healing takes place better. 

Once the tooth is removed, it leaves an empty extraction socket in your jawbone and gums, which heals in some time. Read ahead as we look at the process of healing after tooth extraction. 

How Do Your Gums Heal After An Extraction?

At Dental Innovations, Mesa, we advise our patients to take utmost care after a tooth extraction to ensure proper healing. Lack of adequate care can lead to complications like infections, which can prolong the healing process.

Your gums will take some time to heal after tooth removal, but our body is amazing, and the healing process starts as soon as the procedure is complete. 

• Within the first 24 hours after a tooth extraction procedure, a blood clot will begin to form and fill the hole left by the extracted tooth. This blood clot is valuable and responsible for the healing of the socket. The clot closes the hole and keeps bacteria and food particles from entering the empty socket. It is essential for the formation of the jawbone and the healing of the gums. 
• This blood clot is not visible to your eye but be assured that the process of gum healing has begun. You may feel a little discomfort during this time which is completely normal. It is also normal to experience minor bleeding and swelling during this stage. 
• The first 24-48 hours after tooth removal is crucial as it determines the process of healing. Follow all the instructions and make sure you don't dislodge the clot as it can lead to the formation of a dry socket, which is an excruciatingly painful condition. The swelling and bleeding will subside after this period. 
• From the third day, your gums will start to regenerate, and the process of repair begins.
• By the 7th day, you will be able to appreciate that your tooth hole is closing as gum tissues form. If you were given stitches, they would begin to dissolve or be removed during this time. 
• Within 14-21 days, the hole will close, and your gums will heal. Keep in mind that large teeth, like the back teeth and wisdom teeth removal, takes the longest to heal. 
• After a month, your tooth hole should be completely healed, and there should be no spicules or indentations. The hole in the jawbone is replaced with the formation of new bone.

Tips to Follow After Your Tooth Extraction

Following these tips will ensure that your healing takes place comfortably and without complications. 

• Dr. Baker may prescribe you some antibiotics and painkillers post tooth removal. Make sure you take them on time and complete the course to prevent pain and infections. 
• Avoid smoking after your tooth extraction procedure. 
• Do not spit forcefully or suck through a straw, as this can dislodge the blood clot. 
• Make sure you maintain good oral hygiene, brush your teeth gently and avoid the extracted area. 
• Take rest for at least 24 hours after your surgery to allow your body to start healing. 
• Consume foods that have a soft consistency and are at normal room temperature. 
• If you have swelling, use a cold ice pack and gently place it on the outer surface of your cheeks. This will help the swelling subside and will also reduce discomfort. 
• Contact our emergency dentist in Mesa, AZ, immediately if you experience massive bleeding, excruciating pain, redness, or rash. 
• If the swelling does not subside in 2-4 days, please call us, and we will schedule an emergency appointment for you at Dental Innovations, Mesa, AZ. 

If you have any more questions or would like to know more about our emergency dental services, please feel free to reach out to us. Our team of excellent dental professionals at Dental Innovations will be there to assist you in your journey to better oral health. Contact us today to start your oral health journey!

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