Healing After Tooth Extraction

Somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 million teeth are extracted every year. There are only two methods to removing a tooth; pulling or extracted a tooth that has erupted through the gumline or surgically removing a tooth that has remained impacted below the surface. The results are always the same. You will have a hole that will initially bleed and then needs to heal and close up. The healing time necessary will vary depending on some specific factors, but the healing process is basic to each and every extraction.

The Tooth Extraction Process

The immediate area will be numbed with the application of a local anesthesia. Once that has taken effect the dentist will use a dental hand-held tool to literally pull and remove the tooth. Gauze will be placed on the hole and you will be instructed to bite down on that gauze for a period of time to stop the bleeding. Your healing process moving forward depends on the blood clot that forms in that hole.

If the tooth needs to be surgically extracted a sedative will be added to control and mitigate anxiety. Then the dentist will create an incision in the gum to get access to the tooth. The tooth is again pulled with a dental elevator or a dental forceps. Stitches or sutures will be added to close the incision and the gauze again is important to stop any bleeding.

The Multitude of Factors that Influence the Healing Process

The first factor in addressing the healing is the size and location of the tooth. A molar will leave a much larger hole than an incisor up front. It will also be a bit more difficult for the extraction as well. The next factor is the condition of the soft tissue of the gums.

Each of us has different genetic make-up that influences our healing abilities. Our medical conditions and good and bad habits. Blood thinners or cigarette smoking affect the healing process as well. There are chemicals in tobacco that slow down the healing process.

Proper Oral Hygiene Instructions for Every Extraction

Every extraction will come with these directions for a minimum of 24 hours. No drinking any kind of liquid through a straw. You will also be advised to not smoke and to stay away from hot beverages and alcohol. These restrictions are all about the ability for that blood clot to form in the vacated tooth socket. If you lose that blood clot you can experience a very painful and discomforting event called a dry socket. This can also lead to an infection. So, this first 24 hours is very important. The next period of recovery is about seven days. You will want to watch your diet. Watch difficult foods to bite and chew. You want to avoid strenuous activities to nurse that blood clot. The actual socket will take three to five weeks to close permanently so the healing process is applying awareness and common sense. Follow the instructions provided, exercise common sense and the extraction will soon be a distance memory.

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