No one wants to get rid of a tooth unnecessarily, but sometimes retaining it becomes impossible. In such inevitable cases where the tooth has fully gone bad, dentists go for extraction. If you are to face such a situation and want to know how long does it take for the hole to close after tooth extraction, you have landed on the right page.
Various factors determine how long it would take for the extraction hole to heal. It can take from days to several weeks. Honestly, tooth placement and size contribute a lot to it.
How long does it take the hole to close after tooth extraction?
The wound left behind depends on the size of the tooth extracted. The healing period also hangs on the type, whether it is incisors, molars or premolars etc and extraction procedure. Let’s discuss recovery time with respect to the kind of surgery performed.
Simple tooth extraction
Simple extractions are performed on the teeth which have fully erupted from the baseline. They are easily visible through naked eyes.
The hole left after a tooth with a single root is extracted requires approximately seven days to close up. On the other hand, if the tooth has large roots embedded in the jaw, it will take long to recover. The gum is expected to close the tooth extraction hole in three weeks. Still, you may feel a little dent in it. Complete healing takes several months.
Surgical tooth extraction
A surgical extraction is performed on the impacted wisdom tooth, canines that do not get enough space to protrude properly, chipped or cracked teeth.
In this type of surgery, the bones and tissues are cut along the gum line. In this type of extraction, the hole takes about six weeks to close up, while the dent will take a few more months to heal completely. The procedure itself takes longer compared to simple; thus, it needs more time to heal.
Genetics, age, and personal history
Some people tend to bruise easily, and this factor comes into play when determining the healing period. Increased clotting time will consequently result in greater healing time of the hole.
It is a fact that younger people tend to clot and heal faster compared to old.
What to expect in the next few months after tooth extraction?
First 24 hours
A blood clot will start to form on the hole from where the tooth was extracted. Discomfort is usual and expected at this time. The wound would feel tender with slight pain on touching.
Week 1 to week 3
At this time, the hole caused by tooth extraction will start to close up. If the extraction was surgical, then it would take more time.
1 to 4 months
Depending on the extent of surgery by this time, your hole in the gum line after tooth extraction would close up.
Tips to speed up recovery
Dentists often advise certain tips that would help in post-surgery healing, some of which are mentioned below
- Use of painkillers to decrease discomfort.
- Make sure to not replace the gauze after extraction for at least three to four hours.
- Rinse your mouth will saltwater multiple times a day after the completion of 24 hours.
- Icing at the extraction site works wonders.
Your pain and healing process should not take long after tooth extraction. The pain and swelling should subside within two weeks. However, if you face any complications like fever, redness, or pus with persistent bleeding, get immediate help. Mission Bend Family Dentistry, in Richmond, Tx, is at your service. Give us a call at 832 895 5110 for more information or an appointment.