You might not feel the pain of a tooth extraction while the procedure is underway, especially since the true effects only arise after the surgery. This results in discomfort and, at times, slight pain while eating or chewing food. Most people complain about their gums swelling or getting tender after tooth extraction. But what is it that causes this to happen? Is it normal, or should you be worried? And how long does it take for your gums to heal after tooth extraction? — To get the answers to all your burning questions, keep on reading this blog.
What to Expect After Tooth Extraction
Your mouth goes through numerous phases after tooth extraction to rebuild itself. At the very top is the inflammatory phase, where it’s common for your gums to get inflamed. This happens due to the blood clot forming inside the empty tooth socket. The blood clot prevents the socket from drying out, ensuring it says in prim and proper condition until the granulation tissue forms over it.
Once there is a fresh layer of the tissue, the blood clot gets dissolved, leading to the next phase, known as the “proliferative” phase. This is the part where the wound slowly starts to close over, the socket sealing itself. When this process is complete, it gives way to the final maturation phase. During this, the cells present in the extraction site all come together to build a new structure with collagen, a special connective tissue that promotes healing all over.
How Long Does It Take For Gums To Heal After Tooth Extraction?
It takes some time for your gums to return to their normal self. Gum inflammation can last for a week or two after tooth extraction. Usually, the gum tissues start healing by the third day. If your gums are shriveled up, you will see them relax and close the gap between teeth. However, the swelling would start reducing if they were swollen double in size. By the seventh day, the gum tissues will renew themselves, which means if you had stitches, they will either fall out or dissolve on their own.
Ultimately, after two weeks, your gums will be back to normal, whereas the gums near the extraction site will slowly start to heal and close up.
Tips to Prevent Tooth Pain After Extraction
Tooth extraction aftercare is really important. From taking proper rest to following the right diet, everything comes into account. Here are some tips you should follow if you want to prevent bouts of pain and keep your oral health intact:
- Avoid smoking tobacco, vaping, or drinking alcohol immediately after the extraction.
- Only eat soft and mushy foods that do not require a lot of chewing.
- Stay away from straws as they could potentially damage the blood clot.
- Use a cold compress or an ice pack to bring down the swelling.
- Take complete rest after tooth extraction for at least 24 hours.
- Regularly take the medicines prescribed by your dentist.
- Do not drink sugary or fizzy drinks.
Bottom Line
To sum it up, tooth extraction is a painful process, but it doesn’t hurt as much during the procedure as it does afterward. For instance, it takes anywhere from a week or two for your gums to heal after tooth extraction. If you want to get your tooth pulled out, try reaching out to Signature Smiles at either of the following locations for more information:
Irving Location: 3654 N Belt Line Rd, Irving, TX 75062, United States
Contact Number: (214) 307-4715
Plano Location: 5072 W Plano Pkwy Suite 270, Plano, TX 75093, United States
Contact Number: (214) 307-4755
DeSoto Location: 726 N Hampton Rd, DeSoto, TX 75115, United States
Contact Number: (469) 643-4155