Pulling a tooth out is not a dentists’ favorite thing. They recommend it only when there is no other option available. We know for some people going through this process is no less than a nightmare. If you are one of such individuals and want to know how long does it take for the hole to close after tooth extraction, keep on reading to find your answer.
If your dentist has given you the final verdict of getting a tooth extraction, do not panic; embrace it instead. After tooth extraction, the hole left behind heals on its own pretty easily if you take good post-op care.
Various parameters determine how long it would take for the extraction hole to heal completely. It can range from a few 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 hole left behind depends on the size of the tooth taken out during extraction process, so the healing period is dependent on that. Moreover, the type of surgery performed plays an important role too. Let’s discuss recovery time with respect to the kind of tooth extracted and surgery performed.
Small Tooth
A small sized tooth has one root that is why after extraction, the hole left behind is small i.e., takes less time to heal. Usually, a single root tooth hole easily starts healing within the first week of extraction.
Large Tooth
The hole created after extraction of a larger tooth is bigger since it has more than one root, i.e., extended healing time. You will start feeling better around third week after the extraction process.
Wisdom Tooth
It is different from regular ones. It grows impacted, and multiple risks are involved with it. Due to the complexity, healing time of the hole after a wisdom tooth extraction is greater compared to any other. In general, coming back to regularity will take 6 weeks at least.
Simple Tooth Extraction
Simple extractions are done on teeth which fully protrude from their base, and are visible through naked eyes. As mentioned earlier, if the hole left after a tooth with a single root is extracted it requires less time, approximately seven days to close up. However, if the tooth has large roots deep in the jaw, it will take longer. The gum hole is expected to close after tooth extraction in 3weeks. But complete healing takes several months.
Surgical Tooth Extraction
A surgical extraction is specific for those procedures which are performed on the impacted wisdom tooth, canines, or incisors that do not get enough space to protrude properly, chipped or cracked teeth.
In this type of surgery, cut is made on the gums and bone tissues. After surgical tooth extraction, the hole takes approximately 6 weeks to close up, while the dip will take a few more months to heal completely. The procedure itself takes longer compared to simple; therefore, it needs more time to heal.
How To Speed Up Recovery Post-op?
Post-op care is essential for the hole created after tooth extraction to heal appropriately. Follow the tips mentioned below for speedy recovery.
- Taking painkillers to decrease discomfort.
- Do not displace the gauze after extraction for at least 3 to 4 hours.
- Use saltwater rinse multiple times a day after the completion of 24 hours.
- Icing at the extraction site works wonders.
The pain and swelling should go down easily within 2 weeks. However, if you face any complications like redness, fever, or pus with constant bleeding, call for help. Porter Smiles Dental is at your service. Give us a call at 281-519-7200 for more information or an appointment.