Tooth extraction is one of the most common dental procedures, which can be done for various reasons. Extractions are typically performed to remove wisdom teeth. But people also get their teeth extracted if they have teeth damaged by gum disease, tooth decay, traumatic injury, or to eliminate overcrowded teeth.
But no matter why you’ve gotten your tooth extracted, you might not know what to expect next. If you’re wondering about the look of your tooth extraction site after three days and how long it can take you to recover, then read this article to find out.
What is Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is known to be a dental procedure that involves removing a tooth from its socket. Usually, an oral surgeon removes your teeth. However, general dentists and periodontists can also do tooth extraction treatments.
This procedure can take about 20 to 40 minutes. However, in the case of multiple dental extractions, the process can take up to an hour.
But after you get your tooth extracted, it can be difficult to know whether or not your tooth extraction site is healing properly. As the anesthetic wears off, you can anticipate mild bleeding, discomfort, swelling, pain, soreness in the jaw and throat, slight discolouration, and bruises.
All of these side effects are common during the early recovery phase.
Healing After Tooth Extraction
After tooth extraction, a healthy site should look deep red, and white gelatinous tissues get formed over time. 24-48 hours post extraction, a blood clot appears on the extraction site. You should avoid sucking with a straw or brushing the extraction site at this stage. The extraction site takes about 3-4 weeks to heal fully.
3 Days Post Extraction
When you look at the tooth extraction site after three days, the gum tissue around the socket starts to close up, and the extraction site begins to heal. There can be mild swelling but no more bleeding. It indicates normal healing after the tooth extraction.
Although the blood clot that developed in the socket should be more secure, it can still be dislodged if you are careless. It’s also normal to have some pain at the extraction site. However, if you feel any bleeding or swelling, let your dentist know immediately.
Here are a few very useful tips that can help in the proper healing of the extraction site:
- Stay away from the extraction site while brushing and flossing your teeth.
- Eat soft foods like soup and yogurt to stop crumbs and food debris from getting in the open socket. If you sense that food is getting stuck in the extraction site, you can damage the blood clot when you try to take it out.
- Gently rinse your mouth with the help of warm salt water or mouthwash to eliminate bacteria and keep the extraction site healthy.
Tooth Extraction in Ashfield, NSW
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Dr. Johnson Tang, a dentist in Ashfield, earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Adelaide. Fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, he is known for his gentle, patient-centered approach. Dr. Johnson Tang continues to expand his expertise through courses in implant dentistry and orthodontics to offer comprehensive care.